Leicester City have wasted no time in the transfer market under new manager Ruud van Nistelrooy, reportedly submitting a bid for a highly-rated young midfielder as they look to strengthen their squad ahead of January.
The Foxes have undergone a remarkable transformation since Van Nistelrooy replaced Steve Cooper, bouncing back from a poor start to the season.
The Dutchman began his tenure with an emphatic 3-1 victory over West Ham United, followed by a thrilling 2-2 comeback draw against high-flying Brighton at the weekend.
While the entire squad has shown marked improvement, veteran striker Jamie Vardy has been the standout performer. The 36-year-old scored in both matches and provided a decisive assist for Leicester’s late equaliser against Brighton.
Speaking after the Brighton game, Van Nistelrooy praised Vardy’s contributions, saying:
“If you are on the scoresheet and make an assist, then you have to say this result would not be possible without him.”
Bid Submitted for Banzuzi
Despite Leicester’s resurgence, Van Nistelrooy is keen to strengthen his squad further in the January window. According to Voetbal International, the Foxes have made a “big offer” for 19-year-old Leuven midfielder Ezechiel Banzuzi.
The talented Dutchman is also attracting interest from Brighton and an unnamed Ligue 1 club, but Leicester may hold the upper hand due to shared ownership with Leuven under Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha.
Leuven are reportedly holding out for £12.4 million for Banzuzi, who joined the Belgian side last summer from NAC Breda.
With Leicester on an upward trajectory, Van Nistelrooy’s pursuit of young talent signals a promising new era for the club.