Why Leicester City must make a move for Ben White in the summer
According to Football Insider (h/t Leicester Mercury), Leicester City are interested in signing Brighton defender Ben White, who is currently out on loan at Leeds United.
Ben White, 22, has enjoyed a fantastic Championship campaign at Elland Road, where he has been ever-present at the back for Marcelo Bielsa’s side. He has started every single game so far for the Whites, bagging two assists.
The 22-year-old’s performances haven’t gone unnoticed, with Liverpool and Manchester United also keen on securing his services at the end of the season, the report adds. (h/t the Leicester Mercury)
Meanwhile, Leicester City failed to replace Harry Maguire in the summer after selling the English defender to Manchester United before the start of the season. The Foxes have barely felt Maguire’s absence as Caglar Soyuncu has stepped up to the plate and delivered a string of strong displays. In the process, Soyuncu has formed a strong partnership with Jonny Evans at the back.
This is evident from the fact that the Foxes have the third-best defensive record in the division behind the likes of Sheffield United and Liverpool. They have only conceded 26 goals in 26 games. While Leicester brought in centre-back Ryan Bennett on loan from Wolves on transfer deadline day to provide cover in defence, Brendan Rodgers should look to add fresh faces to increase competition ahead of the next campaign.
To that end, Ben White would be a good fit at the King Power Stadium. White has failed to break into the Brighton first-team and has enjoyed previous loan spells at Peterborough United and Newport County before his switch to Leeds.
The 22-year-old primarily plays at centre-back but can also be deployed in defensive midfield and has filled in for Kalvin Phillips on a few occasions this season and performed decently. He has been at the heart of the Leeds defence this season. The Whites have the second-best defensive record in the division, conceding only 30 goals in 33 games.
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Having replaced Pontus Jansson, White has made the central defensive slot his own at Elland Road alongside Liam Cooper. For a player of such a young age, it is remarkable to see him start every single game in the Championship and complete it as well. That’s a testament to his defensive ability and fitness.
Verdict
The 22-year-old would be a smart addition to Leicester’s backline, adding much-needed competition for Evans and Soyuncu next season. White is a young defender with potential to unlock, so Rodgers would be wise to acquire the Englishman’s services at the end of the season.
