SHOCKING BETRAYAL: Star Player DUMPS Mega-Money Move to STAY LOYAL to Leicester’s HOTTEST Young Gun! You Won’t Believe Why!

Leicester City’s decision not to sign a new winger during the summer transfer window stemmed from manager Marti Cifuentes’ confidence in Silko Thomas as a dependable fourth wide option.

When Kasey McAteer departed for Ipswich Town in August, Cifuentes lost one of the four wingers he had earmarked for his squad, leaving only Abdul Fatawu, Stephy Mavididi, and Jeremy Monga available.

However, instead of entering the transfer market to find a replacement, the Spaniard opted to promote from within, identifying Thomas as a player ready to step up to senior level.

The 21-year-old made his first-team debut for Leicester at Charlton and appeared again from the bench in the recent trip to Swansea.

With Mavididi a doubt ahead of Saturday’s meeting with Portsmouth, Thomas is again expected to be involved in the matchday squad.

Thomas has impressed both in pre-season and during his loan spell in League One last season, catching the attention of his manager.

“I knew Silko from his loan spell at Wigan last season, and I was really impressed with how he handled himself until injury struck,” Cifuentes explained.

“When we arrived, it was a fresh start for everyone, and he took the opportunity to show his quality.

“During our pre-season in Austria, he stood out with his performances and earned our respect. He’s been improving constantly since then, showing great attitude and progress in training.

He’s exactly the kind of winger we like — quick, direct, energetic, and intelligent on the ball. He knows when to take on defenders and when to play it simple.

“That’s why he’s been getting minutes, and hopefully he’ll have many more. He’s pushing hard to prove he belongs at this level.”

Cifuentes admitted that McAteer’s exit did open the door for a potential signing but ultimately decided against it.

“When Kasey left, we considered finding a replacement from the market because the plan was always to have four wingers.

But before that, we looked internally, and I was very happy with Silko. I believe he can do a very good job for us this season.”

Although Thomas has recently emerged through Leicester’s Under-21 setup, he is not an academy graduate.

The winger joined the club two summers ago from Chelsea’s youth ranks and was named the Foxes’ Development Squad Player of the Season in his debut campaign.