Kelechi Iheanacho’s contract with Leicester City expires at the end of the season, with several clubs eyeing him
English Premier League side Aston Villa are monitoring the progress of Super Eagles striker Kelechi Iheanacho ahead of a potential transfer in January, Soccernet.ng has reported.
Iheanacho moved from Manchester City to Leicester City in 2017 in a deal worth €27.7 million. Although he arrived with a lot of promise, it was a tumultuous period for the Nigerian striker.
The 27-year-old attacker played 226 games for the Foxes, scoring 61 goals and providing 35 assists.
Last season, Leicester City were relegated from the Premier League and had to let go of some of their star players. Nigerian players Iheanacho and Wilfred Ndidi have been mentioned as possibilities to leave as their contracts expire at the end of the season. However, they remained at the club but refused a contract extension.
There is no end to speculation about Iheanacho’s future. Aston Villa could consider signing the Nigerian striker in January as Unai Emery looks to add attacking options, according to TEAMTalk.
Iheanacho’s contract situation has made the situation so complicated that Leicester City may be forced to sell him. Meanwhile, the former City player could sign a new contract with the King Power, ending all negotiations.
How Will Iheanacho Fit Into Emery’s System?
This season, Emery has mainly worked with one absolute striker, Ollie Watkins. The English player has been in excellent form this season, scoring nine goals and providing six assists in 18 games. Emery often used Moussa Diaby or Leon Bailey behind Watkins to add pace to his attack.
However, in the case of Iheanacho, Emery may need to change his approach. Iheanacho will likely be Watkins’ direct replacement, but the two players have different playing styles. Iheanacho is a very technical and finishing player, while Watkins is faster and more energetic.
Emery may therefore need to switch to a typical 4-3-3 to give Iheanacho more support in attack, or remove Bayley and Diaby to give Iheanacho a place in the starting XI. do not have.
However, Aston Villa have had a great run this season, so it is highly unlikely that Emery will change the attack significantly with one player.
