Leicester City Join Race To Sign Premier League Speedster: Ideal Replacement For Mahrez?

According to reports, Leicester City have joined the race to sign Yannick Bolasie. The Everton star could be on the verge of leaving the club this summer with Leicester, Crystal Palace, Fulham and Fenerbahce all reportedly vying for his services.

It is believed that Everton are willing to listen to offers for the 29-year-old, who has been deemed surplus to requirements by the newly appointed Marco Silva. With the Portuguese manager keen on overseeing a squad overhaul this summer, Bolasie tops the list of unwanted players at the club.

This has attracted Leicester City’s interest, who are the latest entrants in the list of Bolasie’s potential suitors. Following a satisfying season, the Foxes are keen to maintain their consistency next season under the leadership of Claude Puel.

However, they faced a huge blow last week as star player Riyad Mahrez finally made the highly anticipated switch to Manchester City, leaving the Foxes a bit shallow in the attacking department. Thus, the Everton winger could actually be a very interesting option for Leicester, as they aim to replace the Algerian superstar.

Bolasie, 29, was regarded as one of the top dribblers in the Premier League during his time with Crystal Palace. However, the Congolese winger suffered a huge dip in form after making a switch to Goodison Park in the summer of 2016.

During his two year stint with the Toffees, not only did the 29-year-old struggle with frequent injuries but also failed to establish a regular spot in the starting eleven. Last season, Bolasie featured in just 16 league matches, scoring only one goal as the Merseyside giants went through another disappointing campaign.

Leicester City, on the other hand, could use some reinforcements following the aforementioned departure of Mahrez. While they have already completed the coup of highly talented Norwich starlet James Maddison, the Foxes still lack the necessary punch from the wider position, with Demarai Gray and James Albrighton being the only reliable options.

Therefore, Bolasie will certainly prove to be a good addition to the club. His experience of playing in the Premier League coupled with his speed and dynamism in the final third makes him a tailor-made fit for Puel’s tactical philosophy.

The Congo international is not expected to cost a fortune either, as Everton are eager to get rid of the 29-year-old in order to make room for the pending arrival of Watford superstar Richarlison.

Stats Courtesy: Whoscored