Max Clark has been one of the best defenders in the Eredivisie this season (Getty Images)
According to Daily Mail, Leicester City have targeted Vitesse Arnhem left-back Max Clark as a replacement for the exit-bound Ben Chilwell.
Clark, 24, flourished through the ranks of Hull City’s youth system. He was sent on two different loan spells to Cambridge United. In his second spell with United in 2016/17, he racked up 1 goal and 4 assists in 27 League Two games. However, he then spent just one year with his boyhood club and was traded to Vitesse Arnhem in the summer of 2018.
In his first season with the Dutch outfit, he racked up 2 goals and 4 assists and has been brilliant in the past two campaigns. The report suggests that he had made a major impact in the Netherlands this term, emerging as one of the stand-out defenders in the Eredivisie. The report also adds that several clubs are interested of the former Hull City man.
Leicester, meanwhile, have been brilliant so far this season. Brendan Rodgers has managed to get the best out of his men as they currently sit in the 3rd position in the league table. They are on the verge of qualifying for the Champions League and thus, they need to be well equipped with the required depth.
Chilwell and Christian Fuchs are the only two available left-backs at the manager’s disposal. However, the English international has attracted a lot of interest and has constantly been linked with a move away from the Midlands.
Fuchs, on the other hand, is already 34 and is reaching the twilight of his career. He has featured rarely this season and the Austrian international’s contract is due to expire this summer. Thus, given the lack of options, the Foxes should make a move for a left-back. Even if Chilwell stays, a new left-sided defender should be brought in by the club.
In that regard, Clark would be a viable option for the club. The report also suggests that the youngster’s numbers both in the defensive and offensive situations have been better than Chilwell’s.
In 23 league games, he has racked up 1 goal and 3 assists and that could only get better with experience. He would definitely walk straight into Rodgers’ starting XI if Chilwell’s departure is confirmed. If the Englishman does stay, Clark would be a more than capable backup, adding quality and depth to the side.
At 24, Clark is at the right time of his career to take his game to a higher level. And, given his recent form, he would be a valuable addition to Leicester’s squad. He can develop himself into a Premier League under the guidance of a manager like Rodgers. Thus, the Foxes should lure the former Hull City man to the King Power Stadium.
