Leicester City are expected to have a busy summer transfer window not only because the future of Riyad Mahrez is up in the air but also because the Foxes have done pretty well and will be expected to sign a few players and make more progress under Claude Puel.
After an underwhelming league campaign last season, the Foxes were expected to perform better this season. Though it took a new manager in Puel to make them head in the right direction, Leicester need to ensure they build on the good work they’ve done this season.
Though they’ll need a right winger to start with as Mahrez is very likely to depart, recent reports reveal they’ve been scouting Benfica winger Rafa Silva.
Rafa Silva – fact file
Silva rose to prominence at Braga after moving there form Feirense in the summer of 2013. In his first full season at Braga, he had a pretty slow start as he managed just 3 goals and 3 assists in 23 league appearances. He did move when he was pretty young, so obviously, that had a bearing on the move as well.
The more time he spent with the club, the better his output became as he managed eight goals and two assists in his final season at the club before moving on to Benfica.
He hasn’t really hit the heights at Benfica if you consider his output for the Eagles so far. So, he’s one player who could be a hit or a miss.
What will he add to Leicester?
The winger has a good burst of pace and can pull off a trick or two when he is in a tight situation. Though he is predominantly a left-sided inverted winger who can cut in and make use of his stronger right foot, he has played on the right quite a few times.
Watching Benfica play this season will tell you that Silva hasn’t really fit in owing to his lack of composure on the ball. Passing isn’t his strongest suit either, as he has only recorded a pass accuracy of 67.9%. Though he’ll be expected to play on the counter and stretch defences, passing stats like those won’t really get you anywhere in the Premier League.
Demarai Gray is a good option already at the club, so perhaps Leicester need to target someone who is at least performing consistently for his current club.
Stats via Whoscored