Ten points clear at the top of the Championship, Leicester City have never been in a position to panic over arrivals in this month’s transfer deadline, but with the deadline fast approaching, a worrying hold-up has emerged in the race against time to land their main target.
Stefano Sensi from Inter Milan: the name of Stefano Sensi from Inter Milan was constantly mentioned in connection with Leicester during the January transfer deadline.
The midfielder looked almost a certainty at some points, but previous reports suggested that the transfer was a done deal. Less than 48 hours before the January transfer window closes, however, the Foxes have not yet got their man, which could worry Enzo Maresco.
Maresca was asked about Sensi earlier this month and told BBC Sport: “I’ve always said the same thing – when you’re strong and you can strengthen, it’s better. The only thing I can say about Sensi is that I know him and he is a player I like a lot. We must not do something. In order to do something, we have to sell.”
Of course, Leicester have since got Luke Thomas off their books again, and even if it’s only a loan deal and not a permanent transfer to Middlesbrough, he could at least make some space in Maresco’s squad. However, it remains to be seen whether Sensi will be the man to fill that spot.
According to Gazzetta, Leicester still have to sign the papers to complete the deal for Sensi, which is why the transfer has been delayed. Sensi is said to be ready and waiting to travel to England to undergo a medical and put pen to paper on a deal, but without the papers being signed on the Foxes’ side, he’s not going anywhere at the moment as time is running out in the transfer deadline.
If the Foxes go so far as to reportedly agree a deal worth €2 million and then don’t take Sensi, then that could be seen as a major failure by all involved at The King Power this month.
Leicester must do a deal with Sensi:
While a deal is only in the pipeline, Leicester now face a race against time. Given how close things are, a deal is still inevitable, but any further delays could see Sensi remain an Inter Milan player until the end of the season. Sensi’s stats when he was at his best show how important it is for the Foxes to see the deal through to the end.
Given that Leicester could qualify for the Premier League next season, Sensi could quickly prove to be a long-term investment for Maresco and co. The midfielder has plenty of experience in the Italian league and could transfer that to the Premier League as the Foxes look to qualify at the first opportunity and more.