... and triumph could help lure stars
LEICESTER City’s FA Cup glory could provide the club with a boost in the transfer market, Brendan Rodgers believes.
City lifted the famous trophy for the first time in their history on Saturday and while it brings immediate joy and long-lasting memories, it could also help in the summer as proof to prospective signings that winning trophies is a possibility at the King Power Stadium.
Rodgers wants to strengthen his squad during the off-season, including in midfield, up front, and at left-back.
Lille’s box-to-box man Boubakary Soumare is a key target – and his transfer has been given social media backing by his France Under-21 team-mate Wesley Fofana – and City now have tangible proof of what is achievable to help woo the midfielder and others.
“When you see those scenes at the weekend – you can become a winner here,” said Rodgers.
“The players that won the final at the weekend have created a legacy now and that is something you can do at a club like Leicester City. I think success always aids the recruitment of players, although it’s not the be all and end all. “Hopefully Leicester is an attractive club. They can see we’re making progress and I think if players want to improve, and join a club where they will be looked after, Leicester is a really good destination for them. “When you win a cup final against such a big opponent, that can let players see if they want a piece of that, and hopefully that can be the case in the summer.” Rodgers will also hope that the FA Cup success will help his current players stay put.
The focus right now is Youri Tielemans, below. The matchwinner has two years remaining on his current deal and is in talks over fresh terms.
The Belgian is happy at City, but there is likely to be interest in him if he does not put pen to paper, with his performances this season proving he can play for the leading clubs of Europe.
Rodgers said there were no updates to provide over Tielemans’ contract talks, but he added: “He’s a player I love working with. We’ll see what happens over the summer.”