I don’t think it would be right for me to go somewhere else right now – I still have a lot to learn
CAGLAR AIMS TO REPAY CLUB’S FAITH
LEICESTER City defender Caglar Soyuncu has spoken about filling the void left by Harry Maguire’s departure last summer.
In what was arguably the biggest saga of last year’s transfer window, Maguire eventually left the Foxes to sign for Manchester United for £80 million, a world-record fee for a defender.
Following Maguire’s exit, City looked to the transfer market, but failed to find a value-for-money deal and so kept faith with the current crop, a decision that has worked well with Soyuncu and Jonny Evans forming an excellent partnership.
City eventually did sign a centreback in January, with Ryan Bennett arriving on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers, but the defender is yet to make an appearance for the Foxes.
Soyuncu has spoken about the pressure of replacing Maguire in the City defence, adding that he is targeting a long stint in the Foxes backline.
Soyuncu told Turkish media: “He was the most expensive defender in the world and the team did not buy defenders because they trusted me.
“I’m playing instead of someone who transferred for £80 million.
“We’re going well now, but the important thing is to keep it going. I’ve played 30 matches, but it’s important to increase this to threedigit numbers. It is very important to be at the same level throughout your career.
“After the games we played well, I was preparing myself as if I was preparing for my first game in the first training.
“I think this has had an effect. I still have the ambition to win. I think this is very important for young players.”
Soyuncu’s form saw him linked with a move away from the King Power, but the Turkey international insists he is still developing his game and is not thinking about leaving the Foxes.
“I don’t think it would be right to go somewhere right now,” Soyuncu added.
“I’m having a good season. Above all, I still have a lot to learn.”