Timothy Castagne (Getty Images)
According to a Belgian outlet Sport/Foot (h/t Leicestershire Live), Leicester City are linked with a move for Timothy Castagne, who plies his trade with Atalanta BC in Serie A.
Castagne, 24, came through the ranks of RE Virton and Genk’s youth system and was promoted to the senior side of the latter club in 2014. After making 99 appearances for Genk, he was signed by Atalanta in 2017.
He established himself as the first-choice right-back and has gone from strength to strength in the last few seasons. In 28 league games last campaign, he scored 4 goals and provided 2 assists and has continued with the fine form into this term.
The Belgian has also featured 7 times for his nation after making his debut in September 2018. His form has been impressive for the last few years.
Meanwhile, Leicester City have done well under Brendan Rodgers and the manager has taken them to the 3rd position in the Premier league table. They are flying high on the success of Jamie Vardy and the rest of the attacking unit.
At the same time, the defensive unit has been brilliant, holding their lines tight. The Foxes have conceded only 28 goals, which is the third-best defensive record in the league this term. Jonny Evans and Caglar Soyuncu have been brilliant in the heart of the defence. Full-backs Ben Chilwell and Ricardo Pereira have done a marvelous job at both ends of the pitch.
However, with the Portuguese international picking up a serious injury, Rodgers should consider bringing reinforcements to the squad. And Chilwell could also be on the move with big clubs keeping an eye on him (h/t Daily Mail). James Justin is the only other right-back available at the manager’s disposal but the youngster is inexperienced.
Therefore, they should go in search of a right-back in the summer and Atalanta’s Timothy Castagne would be a viable option for the East Midlands club.
The 24-year-old has been consistent in the last three years for the Italian outfit and looks promising to make it big in the Premier League. He has got experience at a higher level with both Belgium and Atalanta. He has featured in 19 games across all competitions this term and has contributed with 2 goals and assists each.
A natural right-back, Castagne is capable of operating from the opposite side of the defence as well as in the midfield. His inclusion in the squad would definitely bringhealthy competition and would help improve the team’s quality.
The Belgian international has the ability to be a vital player for the Foxes if Pereira leaves, with several big clubs interested in the former Porto man, as per the report. Castagne is equally good in both offensive and defensive situations and can be seen as a long-term player for the Foxes.
Leicester’s full-backs have been brilliant and are in demand from the big clubs. And it would be difficult for the Foxes to keep hold of them in the future. Therefore, they should bring in replacements before anyone departs and Castagne would be a good addition to the side.
Hence, Rodgers should attempt to lure the Belgian to the King Power Stadium in the summer.
