Our First Signing of 2023?!

Leicester target World Cup Phenom to replace Youri Tielemans by Alex Merson

With the beginning of January under way, one thing on all fans and teams mind is the January transfer window.

Following Leicester’s rather poor start to the season that sees them sitting in 13^th place, but just 2 points outside the relegation zone, it is clear reinforcements will be needed to help the side.

One key target for the Foxes is young Angers and Moroccan central midfielder Azzedine Ounahi

At just 22 years of age, Ounahi has appeared 14 times for his current club Angers in the French top division. It was his appearances in the World Cup for Morocco however that has caught the eye of clubs all over the world.

He helped his Morocco side to become the first African team to reach the World Cup semi-finals, beating European giants Portugal and Spain in the knockout rounds. It was France who eventually knocked Ounahi and his side out of the competition in the Semi Finals.

Ounahi’s incredible winter World Cup performances have put him on the map, and our top clubs on alert. The likes of Tottenham, Barcelona and Napoli have been linked alongside Leicester with the midfielder.

Playing mainly as a central midfielder, he is known for his presence in the middle of the pitch, winning the ball and starting attacks, covering ground all over the pitch.

Ounahi’s price tag is not small, the expected price to pay is around £40 million, however with competition it could rise.

With current star midfielder Youri Tielemans’ contract expiring at the end of the summer, and constant links to clubs like Arsenal and Liverpool, Ounahi

could be seen as a key replacement in a huge area.

The Foxes will need to move rather fast to push the player to a move to Leicestershire.

Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers previously made it clear his unhappiness with the owners for a lack of funds, it gives them a chance to show both the boss and fans they are ready to invest where necessary.