Why Leicester signing Kike Saverio would be a smart move

According to a report from Sport (h/t Leicestershire Live), Leicester City will battle with Borussia Dortmund to secure the signing of Barcelona starlet Kike Saverio, who will be out of contract in the summer.

The 20-year-old Saverio started out at the Cornelia academy in Spain before joining the Barcelona youth setup in 2015. The young winger has risen rapidly through the ranks at the club, breaking into the club’s B team last season. So far, Saverio has managed 37 appearances for the Barcelona B team, scoring 6 goals and assisting 3.

Leicester City, meanwhile have enjoyed an exceptional 2019/20 campaign. The Foxes are sitting third in the Premier League table, with 53 points from 29 matches so far. With just four points separating them from second-placed Manchester City, Brendan Rodgers’ side stand a chance of ending the campaign as runners-up.

Leicester need more quality in the wide areas

Leicester have been highly impressive in the attacking third this season. They have scored 58 goals in the Premier League, with only Liverpool and Manchester City outscoring them. Jamie Vardy has been in brilliant form, while the likes of James Maddison, Harvey Barnes and Ayoze Perez have all made vital contributions to the team.

But with the club most likely to compete in the Champions League next season, it would serve them well to add more bench strength to the squad. On the left flank, Rodgers has primarily used Barnes as his first-choice, with Demarai Gray being another option. In addition, Maddison can also play on the left, as he has done at times this term.

However, Gray hasn’t been effective enough, managing just a goal and an assist in 14 league games this term. Furthermore, his contract expires in a year. Marc Albrighton, while being a solid utility player, isn’t a top-quality winger. Hence, adding another wide player, who could provide a major goal threat from the flanks, would be a smart move by Leicester.

And to that end, the 20-year-old Saverio would be a viable option. While the youngster might not be vastly experienced, he has shown quite a lot of potential with the Barcelona B team. In the ongoing campaign, the winger has produced a return of 5 goals and 3 assists in 22 matches.

The fact that Barcelona are intent on extending his contract with the club and Dortmund are keen on signing him should provide a hint of the potential that the youngster possesses. And Rodgers, in his managerial career, has shown that he can get the best out of young talents with promise.

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Verdict

Saverio might not be a well-known name but the 20-year-old has made quite an impression with the Barcelona B team this season. Signing him would add more depth to the Leicester attack, while also providing them with an added goal threat from the wide areas. Given that he will be available on a free transfer, it is a risk worth taking for the Foxes.