Leicester City's Nigerian striker Kelechi Iheanacho reacts after missing a chance during the English Premier League football match between Leicester City and Aston Villa at King Power Stadium in Leicester, central England on March 9, 2020. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
As per All Nigeria Soccer (h/t Burnley Express), Newcastle United have made Leicester City star Kelechi Iheanacho their top target ahead of the summer transfer window.
Iheanacho, 23, started out with Taye Academy in Nigeria before joining the Manchester City U18 squad in 2014. Thereafter, he made 64 appearances for the Etihad outfit, scoring 21 goals and providing 8 assists but could not make it to the team sheet regularly. He joined Leicester City in August 2017.
His move to the Midlands clubs also hasn’t helped him with regular game time due to Jamie Vardy’s presence but the Nigerian has been brilliant whenever he got his opportunities. In the three seasons at King Power Stadium, he has made 87 appearances for the Foxes, scoring 20 goals and providing 12 assists.
Thus, Newcastle United should take advantage of his situation with Leicester and make an attempt to sign him this summer.
The Magpies, meanwhile, have struggled to break into the top ten spots as they have been inconsistent in front of goal. Thus, the manager has a lot of work to do ahead of the next campaign. He needs to bring in reinforcements in the summer if they want to lift themselves and do better in the next campaign.
Newcastle have struggled in front of goals mainly with their strikers being incompetent. Summer signing Joelinton has bagged just 2 goals so far and hasn’t lived up to expectations. He hasn’t found the goalscoring touch since his arrival last summer.
Andy Carroll and Yoshinori Muto haven’t been convincing either, as they are yet to open their account in the league this term. Dwight Gayle is the only striker who seems to have improved since the restart as he has managed to score 3 goals in the last 6 league games. Thus, to improve their attacking unit, a centre-forward is a must in the summer.
To that end, signing Iheanacho would be a massive boost for the club. The Nigerian hasn’t been able to gather maximum game time but he been brilliant on several occasions for the Foxes this term. He has featured in just 18 league games and has racked up 5 goals and 4 assists so far. He has been reliable under Brendan Rodgers and can develop himself with adequate game time.
His inclusion would definitely add depth to Bruce’s squad, whilst also bringing in healthy competition for the other strikers. He has a lot more to offer and can be a crucial player for the Magpies next season.
It is clear that Newcastle are in dire need of strikers due to the lack of quality they possess. And Iheanacho, who is just 23, already has plenty of experience in the Premier League. And if he is able to replicate the good form, he can provide the Magpies with the much-needed extra goals in the future.
Thus, they should attempt to lure the former Manchester City man to St. James’ Park at the earliest.
