Why Joe Gelhardt would be a good future investment for Leicester City

According to Daily Mail, Leicester City are interested in signing Wigan Athletic youngster Joe Gelhardt in the summer.

Gelhardt, 17, came through Wigan’s youth ranks and was promoted to the first-team last summer. He made his league debut in April 2019, appearing as a second-half substitute against Birmingham City. He has been a member of the squad since then.

The youngster has featured in 15 games this season in the Championship and has scored one goal. Despite Wigan struggling in the second-tier, Gelhardt has been impressive in his short cameos.

He has also done a decent job in the FA Youth Cup competition in the last two seasons, scoring 3 and 2 goals in the respective campaigns. The report suggests that Everton and Liverpool are also interested in signing the teenager.

Defensive duo Jonny Evans and Caglar Soyuncu have been solid at the back, conceding just 28 goals as they boast of the third-best defensive record this term. However, with the new season around the corner, Rodgers has to make sure that there is depth in every area.

However, with the financial crisis around the footballing world caused due to the pandemic, investing in youngsters would be a wise decision. Thus, instead of forking out a huge amount for star players, Leicester should bring in youngsters with a view for the future.

Gelhardt could be a good investment for the future

Vardy and Kelechi Iheanacho are the only two centre-forwards available at the manager’s disposal. While the Englishman has served the club in the right way for a long time, the manager should find someone who could fill the void. The Nigerian has also been brilliant whenever he has received opportunities.

However, Vardy is already 33 and is reaching the rear end of his career. And Iheanacho could soon find himself at the first-choice striker in a few years’ time. However, they also need a backup. Thus, a centre-forward is a must in the summer.

In that regard, signing Gelhardt would be a good move for the future. He may not have scored plenty of goals so far but he is highly regarded and has talent. He could be used in the youth squads to develop his game. And when Vardy steps down, the teenager could be helpful for the first team.

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Verdict

At 18, he may not walk straight in Rodgers’ starting XI but he could develop himself under the guidance of the Scotsman. And investing in the youth could also help Leicester reap rewards in the future. Thus, the Foxes should manage to lure the Liverpool-born talent to the King Power Stadium at the earliest.