After only one season in the second division, Leicester City seem to be on the verge of an immediate return to the Premier League.
Although many argue that Enzo Maresca inherited a squad capable of storming the Championship, even with the number of players they lost over the summer, the Foxes have been cheering almost every week.
Leicester City are again interested in a Danish teammate:
Despite the summer loss of James Maddison, Leicester have not yet felt the pain of losing such a talented individual, although they have not necessarily replaced him yet.
In June, TeamTalk reported that Maresca had targeted Celtic assistant Matt O’Riley as a replacement to join former Hoops boss Angelo Postecoglu in north London before a deal between the two parties failed to materialise.
However, the same publication recently revealed that Enzo Maresca has set his sights on the Danish international again as the January transfer window is fast approaching.
Potential obstacles for the Foxes:
O’Riley seems inevitable, but the Foxes could lose their target again this season due to interest from a number of established clubs from the Premier League and Europe due to his performances.
In October, TeamTalk again revealed that Tottenham Hotspur, Brentford, Brighton and West Ham United are interested in him, but they would have to pay a club-record fee to take him away from Celtic Park. This would be the toughest hurdle for the Leicester hierarchy, because if Premier League clubs are not willing to pay that kind of money for his services, the likelihood of a club from the current Championship doing so is even lower.
Carlton Palmer has published a glowing review of Matt O’Riley’s links with Leicester:
At just 23 years of age, such interest is an indication of current ability and the ceiling Celtic believe O’Riley has at his disposal.
So it is understandable that Carlton Palmer, speaking exclusively to FLW, was excited about the possibility of a potential deal that would bring the centre forward to the Championship.
“Leicester City have joined the growing list of clubs monitoring Celtic’s talented central midfielder Matt O’Riley.”
“He has been very impressive this season, both in the league and in the Champions League – registering nine goals and eight assists in 24 competitive appearances.” Palmer continued, “Riley is playing for Riko Riley at the moment.
“Leicester were keen on him at the start of the season. It seems Matt would be an ideal replacement for James Maddison. He would be a real boost in the final third of the pitch as Leicester want to get back to the top flight at the first opportunity.
“At 23, he will only get better and his performances in the Champions League suggest that he could do well in League One if Leicester are promoted.” Palmer concluded.
That’s a fair assessment, but given the competition Leicester face, it may be a step too far at the moment – although the thought of him playing alongside some of Leicester’s current creative exploits is mouth-watering for Foxes supporters.