The five City stars who are not going anywhere
WE PREDICT THE PLAYERS MOST LIKELY TO STAY AT THE KING POWER
THERE is a never-ending carousel of transfer rumours surrounding Leicester City, writes Luke Pawley.
Whether it be Youri Tielemans to Liverpool, James Maddison to Arsenal, Wilfred Ndidi to Manchester United/Real Madrid, it’s never quiet on the transfer front.
But it is easier to see some players leaving more than others, with several members of the squad seemingly committed to the Brendan Rodgers project.
They range from experienced professionals and leaders to young local talents.
Here, we’ve picked out five players we think will be in the Leicester City starting XI next season.
Kasper Schmeichel
Having been at the club for over a decade now, it’s safe to assume goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel is not going anywhere.
The City stalwart was named Foxes captain this summer following the retirement of Wes Morgan.
The 35-year-old Dane has made 440 appearances for the club and is likely to reach the 500 mark before hanging up his gloves.
Jonny Evans
The improvement in City’s performances since Evans’ return from injury show just how crucial he is to the team.
He is arguably the club’s best defender and, like Schmeichel, is hugely important in terms of leadership both on and off the pitch.
At 33, Evans is another player who could see out his career on Filbert Way, and there has been little-tonone speculation around his future at the club.
Ricardo Pereira
Ricardo has shown glimpses of getting back to his best following his most recent injury lay-off, but is yet to do so on a regular basis. That will come with time, though, as the right-back has shown how much he can improve City both in defence and attack. The 28-year-old Portuguese
star is in his fourth season with the club and there is little to suggest he would be keen on a move elsewhere at this moment in time.
Harvey Barnes
Barnes has also struggled to hit his stride since recovering from a double knee operation, but has shown his ability in fits and bursts.
The Countesthorpe-born forward is a versatile player, able to play off either wing or in the number 10 role.
Back in his youth team days, he often pulled the strings as a deeplying playmaker – reminiscent of Danny Drinkwater in the Premier League-winning season.
Jamie Vardy
Regardless of whether you think Vardy should start regularly next season (and it is likely he will), he will certainly be at the club.
He will go down as one of the greatest players in the club’s history, having shattered a number of records on his way to becoming a Championship, Premier League and FA Cup winner.
Vardy had a huge opportunity to leave the club when Arsenal came knocking a few years back, but his decision to turn them down speaks volumes for his commitment to City.