Ozan Kabak (Getty Images)
According to Daily Mail, Leicester City have identified 20-year-old Schalke ace Ozan Kabak as one of their transfer targets ahead of the new campaign.
The report suggests that the Foxes want a new centre-back as veteran Jonny Evans has attracted interest from Premier League rivals and could leave this summer.
Born in Turkey, Kabak flourished through the ranks of Galatasaray’s youth system. He was a part of the club’s 2017/18 title-winning campaign and after making 18 appearances, he moved to Germany with Stuttgart. Half a season later, Schalke picked him up.
Since then, he has been a regular member of the squad and has established himself in the heart of Schalke’s defence. Despite struggling with an injury earlier in the campaign, he went on to make 28 appearances across all competitions this past season.
The youngster represented Turkey at various age-groups and his impressive performances this season earned him a call-up to the national side as he made his debut in November.
Though Brendan Rodgers men were brilliant throughout the campaign, their inconsistency towards the latter stages led them to finish outside the Champions League qualification spot. Their defence conceded just 41 goals and boast of the fifth-best defensive record in the league.
However, the manager needs to bring in reinforcements to the backline with a view for the future. Jonny Evans was a key figure at the back alongside Caglar Soyuncu but the Northern Ireland international is already 32 and reaching the twilight of his career.
Jamaican international Wes Morgan is also 36 and way beyond his prime. Apart from them, they have only Filip Benkovic. Thus, the Foxes should consider signing a centre-back this summer.
In that regard, signing Kabak would help them secure the future of their backline. The young Turkish international has been in sensational form this season and has already got some experience at a high level. He could be a future partner for Soyuncu in defence.
His inclusion to Rodgers’ squad would definitely bring healthy competition, whilst also adding depth to the squad. Kabak has already shown immense potential and under the guidance of Rodgers, he could go on to be a useful player for Leicester.
With Morgan and Evans reaching the end of their careers, it is clear that Leicester need to bring in young centre-backs to replace them in the future. And Kabak would be a good signing for them. Thus, investing in the Turkish youngster could also help them reap rewards in the future.
