Kelechi Iheanacho has been brilliant in the limited opportunities he received (Getty Images)
According to a report by Fotospor (h/t Leicestershire Live), Fenerbahce are poised to launch a €12million loan bid for Leicester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho.
The 23-year-old striker has enjoyed his best goalscoring season for Leicester this season with 10 goals across all competitions since moving from rivals Manchester City three years ago. Despite that, Iheanacho has never really managed to establish himself at the King Power Stadium, with most of his appearances coming from the bench.
With first-team opportunities limited at Leicester, the Nigerian has in recent weeks been the subject of transfer speculation from various clubs across the Premier League and continental Europe.
Fenerbahce have endured a difficult spell this season, finishing seventh in the SuperLig and are on the verge of losing star forward Vedat Muriqi. His departure could mean that Fenerbahce could raise as much as €16million and the report suggests that the Turkish side will use €12million from that money to secure Iheanacho on a two-year loan deal.
However, losing Iheanacho could prove to be costly for Leicester as they will be left with just two strikers in their ranks – Jamie Vardy and Islam Slimani. Veteran striker Vardy still remains the side’s obvious first choice-man following his consistent goal-scoring exploits in front of the goal while Slimani is yet to impress despite moving to the side back in 2016.
The Algerian has spent most of his time with Leicester on loan with other clubs and had most recently spent time with Ligue 1 side Monaco. To date, he has not managed to establish himself at the King Power Stadium. He has scored just 13 goals from his overall 46 appearances for the Foxes.
There also remains the growing age concern of both Vardy and Slimani. Both the strikers are now past their thirties, with star striker Vardy already turning 33 last January.
Considering all this, Leicester would be committing a grave mistake if they allow the young Iheanacho to leave this summer, especially after putting up his best display for them in the recently concluded season.
Despite his limited opportunities at Leicester, he has still managed to score 20 goals and provide 12 assists from 89 matches for them, proving that he is nothing short of talent. Hence, Leicester should not let go of their young striker at such a crucial juncture.
It is clear that Leicester City lack depth in their striking department and offloading Iheanacho at such a time could affect their performance next season. Moreover, he is just 23 and has plenty of time to develop his game. Rather than selling him, the Foxes should keep faith in him and offer him more chances to prove his potential.
