Why Leicester City parting ways with Adrien Silva is ideal for both parties

According to Leicester Mercury, Leicester City star Adrien Silva has signed a permanent deal with Sampdoria, subject to international clearance.

Profile

The 31-year-old Portuguese central midfielder began his youth career at Bordeaux in 1999 and moved to Sporting CP’s academy in 2001. In the next couple of seasons, he moved up the youth ranks and was finally promoted to the senior team in 2008.

He featured sporadically for the team in the following seasons and was sent on two successive loan spells to Maccabi Haifa and Academica, from 2010 to 2012. Upon returning, he slotted into the first-team and was one of their most important players. In 238 appearances for the Portuguese side, he scored 39 goals and provided 19 assists (source – Transfermarkt).

A £24m transfer to Leicester City occurred in 2017. However, Silva has spent the last two seasons on loan at AS Monaco. A regular for the Portugal youth sides, Silva also has 26 appearances and one goal for the senior Portugal side.

Why Silva’s exit is best for both the club and the player

It was very clear that Silva had no place at Leicester anymore. The club performed admirably without him last season, with the likes of Youri Tielemans, Wilfred Ndidi, Dennis Praet, James Maddison and co. all stepping up in the midfield.

The club also has players such as Hamza Choudhury, Nampalys Mendy, etc. to call upon as backup. With such a large contingent of midfielders in the team, Brendan Rodgers could be forgiven for not including Adrien Silva in his plans.

It may seem harsh on the veteran midfielder but such is the nature of modern football. There was no way he could push his way into Leicester’s midfield even if he wanted to. All of those positions are filled with talented players and able backups.

Read More

• Why a new contract for Jonny Evans would be a wise move by Leicester City
• Why Leicester City should let Daniel Amartey leave amid Fulham interest

It seems like the best decision for Leicester to part ways with Silva and let him start afresh.