Girondins de Bordeaux's French midfielder Yacine Adli controls the ball as he attends the first training session ahead of the beginning of the upcoming season of the French L1 in Le Haillan, near Bordeaux, southwestern France, on July 2, 2019. (Photo by NICOLAS TUCAT / AFP) (Photo credit should read NICOLAS TUCAT/AFP via Getty Images)
According to local radio in Bordeaux (h/t Leicestershire Live), Premier League side Leicester City eye attacking midfielder Yacine Adli.
The 20-year-old Adli currently plies his trade with Ligue 1 side Bordeaux following his move in January 2019 from French giants PSG. Despite just 11 starts for Bordeaux in the league this season, Adli has managed three goals and as many assists, giving a fair glimpse of his attacking abilities.
The young midfielder is also a member of France’s under-20 side and has so far featured four times for them across all competitions. Having impressed in his first season at Bordeaux, Adli has now come under the radar of not just Leicester but also rivals West Ham.
The Foxes are considering a £12.8million bid for Adli, whom they have identified as a potential replacement for James Maddison. Maddison has been one of Leicester’s key players this season, helping them finish in an impressive 5th place in the league table.
Maddison scored nine goals and provided three assists across all competitions for the Foxes this term, establishing himself as one of the first names in the team sheet under new boss Brendan Rodgers.
The attacking midfielder’s creativity in the midfield has not gone unnoticed, with rivals Manchester United constantly keeping him on their radar. With the 23-year-old being a subject of transfer speculation in recent times, it is not a big surprise Leicester have now shown an interest in young Adli.
Apart from Maddison, the Foxes just have Bartosz Kapustka for the attacking midfield role. However, the Pole is a clearly unwanted man at the King Power Stadium, having not played in a single match for them this season.
Kapustka, who arrived at Leicester back in 2016, has so far made just three appearances for them and has failed to break into the first-team, giving hints that he is clearly not a favourite under Rodgers.
That said, Leicester’s decision to make a move for Bordeaux playmaker Adli seems like a step in the right direction. Even if Maddison chooses to not depart, Adli’s addition will only make them stronger next season.
Moreover, he could prove to be an excellent future signing for the club given his young age. Having proved his mettle already in such short duration in the Ligue 1, Leicester should up their interest in Adli.
Leicester City have a clear dearth of attacking midfielders. Adli will offer manager Rodgers an excellent option next season as uncertainty surrounds Maddison’s future. Also, Adli is just 20 and could develop under the guidance of a coach like Rodgers.
