Leicester City are reportedly tracking young Cologne winger Ismail Jakobs, who has impressed in his debut season with the German club.
The 20-year-old has come through the academy at Cologne, and has made 14 appearances for the senior team so far.
As per Todo Fichajes (via Leicester Mercury), the Foxes are keen on signing the versatile youngster who would cost around £9 million. The same report claims that Tottenham and AS Roma were also interested in signing him.
In Jakobs’ 14 Bundesliga appearances, he has scored twice and registered one assist. His contract with the German club expires in 2022, having signed an extension to his contract earlier this year.
Ismail Jakobs – A good option for Leicester City
Jakobs is a versatile footballer who can play as a left-back, or further forward as a left midfielder or as part of a front three.
The hard-working player likes to bomb up and down the flank, using his pace and dribbling ability to good effect. The youngster also uses his strength well in attacking situations, brushing aside defenders and posing a big threat in attack.
The 20-year-old is strong in the air, averaging 1.5 aerials wins per game in the German top division, while making 1.8 tackles on average per game. Jakobs has tremendous potential to be a solid Premier League player, and would blossom under a coach like Brendan Rodgers.
Rodgers has assembled a young squad at Leicester City, with the likes of James Maddison, Wilfred Ndidi, Youri Tielemans, and Harvey Barnes all possessing the goods to be quality players in the Premier League.
Jakobs’ pace and strength, and decent finishing ability, could be a good fit in the Leicester City squad. The Foxes don’t have a left-footed, left-sided winger in their squad, one who can use his speed to burst past opposition defenders. Jakobs could be that player who can compete with Barnes and Demarai Gray for that left-side berth.
His ability at full-back could also be a boon for Rodgers, who needs a back-up to first-choice left-back Ben Chilwell as the future of veteran full-back Christian Fuchs is uncertain considering his contract with the Foxes expires in the summer.
Jakobs could be a good addition to the Leicester City squad and one that will not cost a lot.
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