Report: Leicester City target ‘formidable’ defender to help Ruud van Nistelrooy address key defensive issues
Leicester City must capitalize on the January transfer window to secure Premier League survival.
The transfer window is just days away, and Ruud van Nistelrooy’s priority must be strengthening Leicester City’s struggling defense.
Leicester are exploring several defensive options for January, including a potential return for Manchester United’s Harry Maguire.
They are also linked with Valentin Gomez, the Velez Sarsfield defender likened to Argentine veteran Nicolas Otamendi.
In addition to Maguire and Gomez, another notable name has emerged as a target for the Foxes.
Reports suggest Leicester are considering former Newcastle defender Chancel Mbemba.
According to Africa Foot, Leicester have identified Marseille’s Chancel Mbemba as a priority signing for the January transfer window.
The 30-year-old DR Congo international appears set to leave Marseille, where he has seen limited opportunities this season.
Despite rejecting approaches from Ligue 1 rivals Stade Rennais and FC Nantes, Marseille could part ways with Mbemba, whose contract runs until June 2025.
Mbemba played 40 matches in all competitions last season, scoring six goals, including four in the Europa League, where Marseille exited in the semi-finals against Atalanta.
However, he has fallen down the pecking order this term.
Many Leicester fans will remember Mbemba’s Premier League experience, having made 59 appearances for Newcastle after joining in 2015 before moving to Porto in 2018.
If signed, Mbemba could be instrumental in van Nistelrooy’s efforts to stabilize Leicester’s defense and boost their fight for Premier League survival.
Leicester currently share the league’s worst defensive record, conceding 40 goals.
Van Nistelrooy has struggled to find a consistent backline, rotating between Wout Faes, Caleb Okoli, Jannik Vestergaard, and Conor Coady, none of whom have established themselves.
Mbemba, once described as “formidable,” might be the solution Leicester needs.
His defensive prowess and experience could address their weaknesses, particularly as van Nistelrooy’s men have conceded six goals in their last two matches.
Meanwhile, relegation rivals Wolves have tightened up defensively, keeping clean sheets in their past two games, including one against Leicester.
Strengthening the backline with a player like Mbemba and possibly offloading underperforming defenders such as Faes could be crucial for Leicester to avoid relegation this season.
With the transfer window opening soon, decisive action in defense may determine whether they maintain their Premier League status.
