Marti Cifuentes’ Challenge: Balancing Signings with Academy Growth

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Marti Cifuentes made several deals to bring in players to bolster his Leicester squad earlier in the season. A number of late arrivals were seen. One of them was Fran Vieites. The goalkeeper was a free agent since leaving Real Betis after last season.

So far he has not been involved in games for Leicester, but was included in the squad when facing Norwich. He looks likely to be included also when facing Stoke tomorrow.

But looking at his move to Leicester in perspective, he illustrates what is wrong with recruitment at the club. This has been the case over the last few years. It stops younger players from the academy from growing and taking part in first-team activity.

During the period of Brendan Rodgers (Feb, 19 to Apr, 23), he laid the groundwork for Ben Chilwell. He also established a foundation for Harvey Barnes and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. They all progressed and became steady performers in the Premier League for Leicester. Hamza Choudhury and Luke Thomas also progressed, but not really trusted to be first team regulars in the period. The academy use and strategy under Brendan Rodgers was not as good as we would have liked. It showed a lack of boldness in pushing youth through.

Leicester as a club looks eager to build on their young talents coming through at the moment. However, signings such as Fran Vieites create confusion. It makes it difficult to understand how academy players should be given the opportunity in a first team frame.

Stevie Bausor with a huge penalty save late on 🔵#LCFC #LeicesterCity pic.twitter.com/3u2nCzLTXs
— Rising Foxes (@RisingFoxes) March 14, 2025

Marti Cifuentes must understand that blocking young talent’s opportunities is problematic. Signing players who are seen as third and second choice can have negative effects. Your words will not be taken seriously and will be seen as just empty phrases.

The signing of Fran Vieites is the story we do not like happening at this club. Not because he is a bad player, but because he is blocking a chance for youngsters to get their opportunity.

We have seen many good young players overlooked by managers. They don’t trust the academy enough. The stream of players coming through this club needs strengthening. It is crucial to compete with the top teams.

This is also difficult for certain fans of this football club to understand. Their only answer for development and progress is seen in new signings from outside.

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