As per one of the latest reports by Leicester Mercury, Leicester City are keen to lure Fulham’s dazzling midfielder, Tom Cairney, to the King Power Stadium in the summer. Fulham are one of the favourites to finish inside the top-six and earn a spot in the playoffs. However, if they fail to get promoted, a number of clubs will surely make attempts to secure Cairney’s signature.
Cairney emerged through the youth ranks of Leeds United and Hull City and he eventually went on to be a solid player for the Tigers after he was promoted to their senior side. After that, he moved to the ranks of Blackburn Rovers in the summer of 2013, initially on loan, and then made a permanent move in the January transfer window of 2014.
In the summer of 2015, he moved to the Craven Cottage and took very little time to cement his place in the starting line-up of the Cottagers. Under the tutelage of Slavisa Jokanovic, the central midfielder has been brilliant this season and has been one of the stand-out performers in the Championship as well. Thus, it isn’t surprising to see that Claude Puel has him on his radar.
In 28 appearances in the second tier this season, Cairney has smashed 4 goals and registered 5 assists. He has been shrewd with his passing and has notched up a pass completion rate of 91.7%. The Scottish international shields the back line meticulously and also gallops forward on a regular basis to create chances for his teammates as well as to test the opposition goalkeeper.
Cairney is an excellent reader of the game as well and irrespective of whether Fulham get promoted or not, he is a player in their ranks who deserves to ply his trade in the Premier League. He has showcased his ability of holding the ball well, operates with a lot of hunger and determination and is hardly caught losing possession. Besides, he has plenty of experience of English football under his belt as well.
If Leicester City pursue Cairney in the summer, the chance to move must appeal to him. However, the Foxes do have a good stock of central midfielders with the likes of Wilfred Ndidi, Vicente Iborra, Adrien Silva, Matty James and Andy King on their books. Thus, there is no denying that the 27-year-old would be facing a lot of competition for a place in the starting line-up if his move materializes.
Statistics Credits: WhoScored