Claude Puel may not be able to take Leicester City to Europe this season but he has some serious plans to improve the squad this summer and try the same next season. He is looking at some exciting stars for a move at the end of the season and one link that is getting a mixed reaction from Leicester City fans is the club’s interest in Belgian international Marouane Fellaini.
Fellaini Wanted By Host Of Clubs:
The former Everton man has recently rejected a contract extension with Manchester United and is ready to find a new club this summer. He is a free-agent at the end of the season and is a part of the Belgium squad that travels to Russia later this year.
He will have no shortage of suitors as a story from The Mirror claims that the likes of PSG, Juventus, AS Monaco, Besiktas and West Ham United are all interested in his services. Leicester City are also listed as possible suitors but is he an option for Puel?
Fellaini And His Versatility:
Having made a name for himself with his scoring prowess at Goodison Park, Fellaini followed David Moyes to Manchester United back in 2013 and was expected to have a similar impact at Old Trafford. However, he failed to deliver in his first season and was turned into a backup in the subsequent years.
Louis van Gaal used him effectively in a midfield role before Jose Mourinho defined his role as a box to box midfielder, adding numbers to the attack when in desperate need but sitting back and protecting his backline for the rest of the time.
Nemanja Matic has done that job extremely well this season, leaving Fellaini with just two starts in the entire league campaign. Matic’s impact, along with Fellaini’s injury, saw the Belgian lose his spot in the squad under Mourinho this season.
His positioning and understanding of the game, along with his aerial ability and understanding of the game make him a huge coup for some of the top clubs in England and even at 30, he will be a decent addition for The Foxes.
What Will He Bring To King Power?
The experience of 234 PL appearances and the ability to play in multiple roles and have a large impact on the game is something not many players possess. Fellaini may not be the most exciting player to watch but he knows how to get things done. He is perfect for the English game and though may not be a first-team option for all 38 games in a league season, can do a more than decent job of holding the fort in the midfield.
Puel likes a four-man midfield and Fellaini can play at the heart of that system but can also be an effective option as a support striker further ahead. Reports claim that Jamie Vardy is yet to agree upon a new deal and if Leicester lose the English international, Fellaini’s experience could be critical in the next season, till they find an able replacement.
Available on a free transfer, Fellaini is definitely a risk worth taking for Leicester but is he a step in the right direction for Puel?
Stats Courtesy: Whoscored