Why a new deal for Christian Fuchs is a wise move by Leicester City
According to Daily Telegraph (h/t Leicestershire Live), veteran left-back Christian Fuchs has agreed to a new contract with Leicester City.
The 34-year-old’s current contract at the King Power Stadium was set to expire at the end of this month. However, he has now pledged his future to the Foxes for another year.
Though Fuchs’ appearances have been limited in recent times, he still remains an influential figure at Leicester having won the 2015-16 Premier League title with them. Having arrived from Bundesliga outfit Schalke in 2015, Fuchs has gone on to make 133 appearances for the Foxes, scoring three goals and providing 13 assists across all competitions.
Fuchs has mostly played second fiddle to Ben Chilwell, who has evolved into one of the most sought-out full-backs in Europe.
The 23-year-old Chilwell has been a key player for Leicester this season, scoring two goals and four assists from 28 matches. He has also been a regular in a Leicester back-four that has conceded just 28 goals from their overall 29 league games so far.
With Chilwell emerging as the side’s obvious first-choice left-back under new boss Brendan Rodgers, Fuchs has mostly been restricted to the benches for the most part of this season.
Fuchs still plays a crucial role at Leicester
The veteran Austrian has made just 14 appearances for the Foxes this term, most of which have come during cup competitions. However, apart from Chilwell and Fuchs, Leicester do not have any established left-backs in their side, making the latter an integral part of Rodgers Foxes line-up.
Meanwhile, Chilwell has been the subject of constant transfer interest from rivals Chelsea and Manchester City in recent times and could depart the club this summer for a good offer. With Chilwell’s future remaining uncertain, it is imperative that Leicester hold on to the experienced Fuchs at least until they find a suitable replacement for the young Englishman.
With 183 Bundesliga and 104 Premier League appearances to his name, Fuchs is nothing short of experience and this could be a valuable asset to any side, not just Leicester.
A seasoned campaigner for both club and country, it is necessary that Leicester keep him at the club for a little longer. Hence, their decision to extend his stay with the side is indeed a step in the right direction.
Read more:
- Why Leicester City should push ahead with their interest in Jannik Vestergaard
- Why Max Clark could solve the left-back issues for Leicester City
- Leicester signing experienced 27-year-old PL star James Tarkowski would certainly help their backline
Verdict
It is crystal clear that Leicester lack depth at left-back and Chilwell’s departure will hurt them badly next season. Though he does not play as often as he used to, Fuchs is still a key player for manager Rodgers. His vast experience will help them in key moments.
