Why Leicester should make a move for Sporting Lisbon’s Gonzalo Plata

According to The Sun (h/t The Leicester Mercury), Leicester City are said to be eyeing a move for Sporting Lisbon winger Gonzalo Plata.

Gonzalo Plata, 19, has broken into Sporting Lisbon’s first-team this season after signing from Independiente del Valle in January last year. He has made 17 appearances in all competitions, scoring twice and providing one assist to date.

The 19-year-old winger, who is said to be worth £20million, has also caught the attention of Watford, the report adds. (h/t The Leicester Mercury) However, Leicester City must do everything possible and beat Watford to Plata’s signature during the summer transfer window.

The Foxes are well in the hunt to achieve a top-four spot this season. Eight points separate the Foxes and fifth-placed Manchester United with just nine games to go, meaning it is firmly in Leicester’s hands ahead of the final run-in. Hence, manager Brendan Rodgers must start planning for the next season from now on.

Leicester City have heavily impressed under Brendan Rodgers, especially with attacking players like Jamie Vardy, Harvey Barnes, James Maddison, Ayoze Perez and Youri Tielemans linking up and guiding them to numerous victories. Vardy has been the club’s chief source of goals with 19 goals so far this campaign, while Maddison, Barnes and Perez have also chipped in with crucial goals.

However, Vardy is 33 now and is not getting any younger. Moreover, Leicester are clearly short of finishers, with Kelechi Iheanacho being the only other recognized centre-forward in the side. So, Rodgers should prioritise signing a striker in the summer. In addition, he could also do strengthening the wide department and Gonzalo Plata would be a smart fit at the King Power Stadium.

Plata has made 11 league appearances for Sporting this term, however starting only four of them. A right-winger by trade, he has all the abilities to excel in the middle and such versatility could come handy for Rodgers. The 19-year-old has represented Ecuador at the Under-20 World Cup and has four senior caps and one goal to his name.

Representing his national side four times at such a tender age speaks volumes about Plata’s potential. The Ecuadorian under Rodgers’ watch can go on to become successful if he takes a step in the right direction.

Verdict

Although Plata is very young, he is a player filled with huge potential. He may not be able to walk straight into the starting XI at Leicester City, but it would be wise of the Midlands outfit to make a move for him this summer. His raw talent shows that he has what it takes to develop into a Premier League prospect and by shaping himself, he could become a regular at the King Power Stadium.