Leicester City are reportedly considering reviving their interest in Southampton defender Jannik Vestergaard after an unfortunate injury to Wesley Fofana.
Fofana suffered a horrific medial ligament injury following a rash challenge by Fer Nino during Leicester City’s pre-season friendly against Villarreal at the King Power Stadium last week. The centre-back will undergo surgery on Monday before starting his rehabilitation at Leicester’s training facility. There’s no clear timeline about when the young Frenchman may return in 2022.
According to talkSPORT, Leicester City are planning to fill Fofana’s void by taking a dip in the ongoing transfer window and Southampton’s Jannik Vestergaard could be the player.
Jannik Vestergaard, 29, has gradually developed into a key player in the Southampton backline under Ralph Hasenhuttl. Despite an injury-curtailed last campaign, he was one of the rare bright spots in an otherwise disappointing campaign for the Saints who finished 15th on the table.
The 29-year-old centre-back starred for Denmark in Euro 2020 as well, forming a solid understanding with Andreas Christensen and Simon Kjaer in a three-man backline under Kasper Hjulmand. Vestergaard made six appearances in the European Championships, as Demark made it to the semi-finals before losing at the hands of England.
Jannik Vestergaard to Leicester City—Is he the right fit at the King Power Stadium?
Despite signing Patson Daka, Boubakary Soumare and Ryan Bertrand in the summer transfer window so far, the Foxes still have a few shortcomings in the squad. One of those is the lack of depth in central defence, which Brendan Rodgers must definitely address before the transfer window slams shut.
With Wesley Fofana ruled out until the next year and Jonny Evans missing the Community Shield win over Manchester City with a foot injury, Rodgers is light in options at the back. As things stand, Leicester look likely to start the season against Wolves with Caglar Soyuncu, Filip Benkovic and Daniel Amartey as the only recognised central defenders.
That’s why the Midlands club must recruit a centre-back on priority and Jannik Vestergaard fits the bill perfectly.
Standing at 6ft 6ins tall, Vestergaard is a giant of a centre-back with excellent aerial strength and passing ability. Hard as nails and difficult to dispossess in possession, the Dane rarely loses aerial duels and never shies away from making a tackle or two. Due to his towering frame, he isn’t the quickest but makes it up with his reading of the game and composure on the ball.
A warrior and true leader, the former Borussia Monchengladbach man is an asset to have at both ends of the pitch. He is extremely dangerous in the opposition box, as demonstrated by his three goals for Southampton last season. The Denmark international would undoubtedly add quality to Leicester’s squad, whilst adding much-needed depth to their defensive ranks.
Jannik Vestergaard has entered the final year of his contract at the St. Mary’s stadium. Thus, he could be available on a cut-price deal for the Foxes, who must do everything possible to get a deal done for the 29-year-old Dane.
