The sale of Ben Chilwell pushed Leicester City into the transfer market for a full-back this summer and Brendan Rodgers has already signed Atalanta’s Timothy Castagne in a bid to reshape his fullback department.
Leicester City earlier this week announced the signing of Timothy Castagne on a five-year deal, for an undisclosed fee. Castagne, a Belgium international, will join his teammates after international duty but will he be effective at King Power next season?
Interest In Timothy Castagne
The 24-year-old, who started his senior career with Genk, spent four years at the club before moving to Italy with Atalanta in 2017.
He cemented a place in the first team straight away, playing as a right wing-back but his ability to play on the left flank made him a crucial part of the squad in Bergamo.
Castagne was instrumental in Atalanta qualifying for the Champions League for the first time in their history in 2019. He managed to help the squad retain their place in the European competition next season as well but the pull of playing Premier League football was enough for the Foxes to land him this summer.
Known for his ability to win duels consistently, the 24-year-old is an assured defensive presence on the flank and had just one goal and two assists in 19 league starts last season for the Italian club.
But Castagne is a solid defender, who wins most duels thrown his way. He rarely mistimes a tackle, is strong in the air and is usually productive with the ball at his feet.
He is a decent passer, while his hold up play and positioning allow him to get out of pressure situations at the back with ease.
At 24, Timothy Castagne also has seven caps for the Belgium national side and is the first choice right-back for club and country. So his experience and versatility will be a huge asset for Leicester next season.
Chances At Leicester City
Brendan Rodgers used a 4-1-4-1 system regularly last season and could stick with it again in the upcoming campaign.
He does have options for most roles but having sold Chilwell, he is desperate for a left-back and Castagne might do a decent job there.
The Foxes could also miss Ricardo Pereira for the first couple of months with an injury and Castagne might have to cover for him at right-back, which is a more natural role for him.
The young and versatile James Justin may have a real job on his hands next season. He and Castagne might be the full-backs for Rodgers in the first few games thereby putting the spotlight on the new player straight away.
But do you think Castagne can make an immediate impact in the Premier League?
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