By Arvind Kalsi
Leicester City supporters are bracing themselves for a subdued January transfer window as financial pressures limit the club’s spending power.
Lynn Wyeth, 56, co-chairwoman of Foxes Trust, said fans would like to see reinforcements at both ends of the pitch during the January transfer window which opened on Wednesday, January 1, and closes at 7pm on Sunday, February 2.
She said supporters were particularly keen on defensive additions and a new striker.
“The fans would want new defenders and a new striker,” she said, adding: “We are missing Jamie Vardy and we need new blood.”
Vardy was the beating heart of the club’s attack for more than a decade, and his absence has been highlighting the lack of attacking options throughout the season so far.
While fans hope for fresh faces, Lynn said expectations were being tempered by the club’s current financial situation.
“The club are not in the best financial state at the moment,” she said. “It will probably be a quiet transfer window”.
Hanging over the club is also the threat of a possible points deduction over three separate charges of breaching the Profit and Sustainability Rules dating back to when they were in the EFL Championship during the 23/24 season.
Despite financial constraints, Leicester City’s recruitment history offers some encouragement as throughout the years, the club’s scouting system has had a keen eye in finding young talent.
Players such as Riyad Mahrez and N’Golo Kante were both brought to the club at a relatively early stage of their careers before becoming key figures.
The club have also recently reassured fans by making it clear that they do not want to sell one of their star players, Abdul Fatawu, whom Premier League side Bournemouth have shown interest in after their forward Antoine Semenyo’s departure to Manchester City increased speculation around potential replacements.
While Leicester City fans may not see much activity over this transfer window, it is clear that the club needs to find stability if it is going to try to compete for a top six placement in the EFL Championship this season.
