Yesterday, we shared our plans for Leicester, focusing on player logistics and creating a strong squad for next season. Having a squad of only 22 players is essential. If more support is needed, the development squad should be prepared to help.
We focused on just adding two new permanent signings. The profile of the two players were exemplified, naming a top forward, Tobias Lauritsen, and a versitale midfielder, Cameron Brannagan. These two players do have the profile needed to address the problems at the club during last season. Both are experienced, can go straight into a first eleven and contribute from day one.
We have now done a thorough search on potential loan players to fill positions where Leicester lack options.
We have seen a number of outlets suggesting more changes, but we feel that the club should be very careful when they decide on their next chapter and not go for a big bang and throw out needed experience, long term relations and actually build on some of the quality left at the club.
To build a good and competitive squad of 22 players, the group we have identified, needs 4 new loan signings. Next season the following comes in play for League One clubs. Matchday Squad Limit: Clubs can only name a maximum of five loan players in their matchday squad of 18 players. Total Registrations: While there is no strict cap on the total number of players a club can register on loan over the course of a season, in practice, most clubs limit their intake due to the matchday squad constraint. From the Same Club: Clubs can sign a maximum of four players on loan from the same club in a single season. Age Restrictions: Only two of the four players allowed from a single club can be over the age of 23.
The squad to create for next season should include experience along with younger talent, featuring both long-term and short-term length on contracts. We have also pinpointed two players for permanent signings, each likely to receive contracts lasting two to four years. Crucial to bring in two permanent players aged between 26 and 30, providing the right experience without excessive demands to achieve results.
"Mikel said my name at right back. I couldn't believe it, I was over the moon!"
— Arsenal Academy (@ArsenalAcademy) January 22, 2025
✈️ Going on the US tour
✍️ Signing his first pro deal
❤️ Making his first-team debut
🗞️ Our latest Young Gun feature focuses on Josh Nichols 👇
Looking back at where Leicester are looking to find their loan options, we are going down the same route. The squad of our selection, need more quality flank alternatives. The player approached, needs to be capable of doing both the wide and top attacking position. Having a new signing of the profile of Tobias Lauritsen identified as first choice, Lorenz Hutchinson as his cover and a versitale player to be the third choice.
Leicester have options available, but uncertain about the quality of these individuals. A loan signing would be preferred. Nathan Opoku could be that third option, as well as Silko Thomas, but we believe a fresh face with special potential should be loaned in. Thomas and Opoku, in our opinion, do not have the qualities needed to be a versitale option.
We have looked at profiles from top academies like Man City, Man Utd, Chelsea, Arsenal, and Liverpool. Leicester do have good connections with these clubs, and we found great and fitting potential. First would have approached Man City to recruit the two sons of Emile Heskey, Reigan Heskey (18) and Jaden Heskey (20), who are far from established first team players at The Etihad. They could provide valuable attacking qualities for Leicester. Both can play on the flank, as well as a number 10 or 9. Jaden played 20 league games on loan at Sheffield Wednesday last season. Reigan Heskey has emerged as one of the standout talents in the City academy. He has showed high-level creativity and clinical finishing.
Then we have looked at players to fill in and challenging for two full back positions. Identified Tomas Galvez as a realistic option. The 20 year old Finland full international has been on loan from Man City to Cambuur this season, being part of a promotion campaign. He would be a good challenger for Luke Thomas. To get him in would be difficult, but his profile is the type of addition we would like to see.
For a right back option, another deep dive into a potential loan market, made us pick out Josh Nichols, from Arsenal, as the player to call. The 19 year old has a very interesting profile and would be one challenging Olabade Aluko for this postion, potentially being a more robust option. Nichols is highly rated, but at 19, far from a starting option for Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta. A perfect loan signing for Leicester. Could be a fantastic chance, for a player who is looking for his big breakthrough.
This would complete the squad for next season, being the following,
Goalkeepers: Stolarczyk, Vieites, French*, Bausor*
Defenders: Aluko, Nichols!, Thomas, Galvez!, Souttar, Vestergaard, Gray, Nelson
Midfield: Skipp, Choudhury, Braybrooke, Page, Brannagan#, Cordova-Reid, Joseph*
Forwards: J Heskey!, R Heskey!, Lauritsen#, Mavididi, Evans, Hutchinson
* Academy player filling the space to the tally of 25 players
! Loan signings
# Permanent signings
This would be a good squad for next season, without any transfer fees paid, and wouldn’t create major issues if you are promoted and ready to invest for another challenge.
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