Leicester City fans are looking forward to their first January transfer window under Ruud van Nistelrooy, as the Dutch manager prepares to bolster his squad in the fight for Premier League survival.
Van Nistelrooy is expected to target reinforcements in key areas, with defensive solidity a priority following Leicester’s struggles at the back.
The Foxes have conceded the third-highest number of goals in the league, highlighting the need for improvement in their backline.
One potential target is Ben Godfrey, the former Everton defender now at Atalanta. Godfrey has struggled for game time in Italy, making just four appearances in all competitions this season.
His experience in English football could make him a valuable addition to Leicester’s defence.
Another area of focus for fans is the attack, with calls for Crystal Palace to recall loanee Odsonne Edouard, who has failed to make an impact as a back-up for Jamie Vardy.
Dewsbury-Hall linked with a Leicester return
One intriguing subplot is the potential return of academy graduate Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. The midfielder played a key role in Leicester’s Championship title-winning campaign last season, contributing 12 goals and 14 assists. However, his summer move to Chelsea for £30 million has not gone as planned.
Under former Leicester boss Enzo Maresca, Dewsbury-Hall has struggled for minutes at Stamford Bridge, starting no Premier League games and featuring primarily in the Conference League.
He did score in Chelsea’s 5-1 victory over Shamrock Rovers on Thursday but remains on the fringes of the squad.
Speaking after that match, Maresca admitted that the January transfer window could bring changes, leaving the door open for a potential departure.
“Unfortunately, I cannot say that (he is definitely going to stay), not about Kiernan, about all the squad, because when the transfer window is open, unfortunately, anything can happen,” Maresca said via The Athletic.
“So I’m not focused on January, the only thing I can say about Kiernan is that we are very happy in the way he’s working, we are very happy about his performance, and this is my thought about Kiernan.”
Dewsbury-Hall’s Chelsea struggles
Dewsbury-Hall’s statistics at Chelsea underline his lack of involvement:
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall stats (all competitions)
Games played: 15
Goals: 2
Assists: 1
Minutes played: 857
Despite Maresca’s comments, Leicester fans appear divided about a January move for Dewsbury-Hall. While his return would add depth, many supporters believe the club should prioritise other areas.
More pressing concerns
With the resurgence of Boubakary Soumare and the arrival of Oliver Skipp, Leicester’s midfield options appear well-stocked.
Van Nistelrooy may view Dewsbury-Hall as a luxury signing rather than a necessity, given the more urgent need to strengthen defensively and in attack.
For now, Leicester fans will hope Van Nistelrooy can address the squad’s weaknesses and secure the signings required to steer the club clear of the relegation zone.
