Why Leicester City Recalled Right-Back After Loan Spell Success

Leicester City have decided to recall Brandon Cover from his loan spell at Port Vale, as his playing opportunities are expected to decrease in the coming months.

Port Vale, currently competing for promotion in League Two, announced on Wednesday that Cover had returned to the King Power Stadium. It is understood that this decision was made by Leicester City.

The 21-year-old had made a strong impression during his 20 appearances for Vale, but his game-time was likely to diminish.

Cover, primarily a right-back or defensive midfielder, had been playing as a right-sided wing-back for Port Vale.

He joined the club in the summer after Mitch Clark, a former Leicester City Under-21 player, suffered a neck injury.

With Clark now fully fit and reclaiming his starting spot, Cover’s opportunities have been limited.

Mike Baggaley, a journalist covering Port Vale, explained: “Clark has recently returned to the side and performed very well over the last three or four games, making him the first-choice in that position.

Vale also have Kyle John and Tom Sang, who can play at right-wing back, so Cover’s game-time would have been minimal.

“Despite that, Cover’s loan spell was undoubtedly a success.

While his form dipped slightly towards the end, he was the first choice for most of his time at Vale and contributed significantly to the team.

At 26, Clark is currently the stronger player, but Cover was well-regarded by fans.

His half-season at Vale benefited everyone, giving him valuable league experience while providing Vale with a talented young player.”

Cover is the fourth Leicester City loanee to be recalled this month, following Tom Cannon, Sammy Braybrooke, and Amani Richards, who returned from Stoke, Dundee, and Exeter, respectively.

Cannon is expected to be sold to Sheffield United, while Braybrooke will remain with City for the remainder of the season.

Harry Souttar has also returned to City from Sheffield United due to an injury that rules him out for the rest of the campaign.

Ben Nelson, currently recovering from a quad injury at Leicester, is expected to rejoin Oxford next month.

Other City loanees include Silko Thomas (Wigan), Chris Popov (Barrow), Brad Young (Hartlepool), and Wanya Marcal (De Graafschap).