Leicester Make £23.2 Million Bid for Panathinaikos Striker Fotis Ioannidis and Pursue Wilfried Zaha Loan
Steve Cooper Seeks Offensive Reinforcements as Jamie Vardy and Patson Daka Likely to Miss Season Opener Against Tottenham
Leicester City have made a significant move in the transfer market, submitting a £23.2 million bid for Fotis Ioannidis, the Panathinaikos striker.
The club is also engaged in discussions with Galatasaray regarding a potential loan deal for Wilfried Zaha.
With the Premier League season fast approaching, Leicester is keen on bolstering their squad.
Over the weekend, they offered €27 million for Ioannidis, a 24-year-old Greece international who had a standout season with Panathinaikos, scoring 23 goals and providing nine assists across all competitions.
Ipswich Town had previously shown interest in Ioannidis, making a substantial bid earlier in the transfer window.
Leicester, however, is focusing on strengthening their attack and sees Ioannidis as a potential success in the Premier League.
In addition to Ioannidis, Leicester is exploring a loan deal for Zaha, the former Crystal Palace winger. Negotiations for Zaha are complex, and Leicester faces competition from Palace in securing the player’s services.
Leicester manager Cooper is facing potential absences in the attacking line for their season opener against Tottenham Hotspur on August 19. Jamie Vardy and Patson Daka, key strikers, are doubtful for the match.
Daka, who was injured during a recent friendly against Lens, might be sidelined for several months with an ankle issue.
Vardy is also uncertain after picking up a knock in a pre-season match against Villarreal.
Cooper acknowledged the need for squad reinforcement, saying, “We know where we stand with the level of some areas in the squad and must continue to push forward.
We need fresh blood, especially in the attacking areas, and hope to strengthen soon. It’s crucial to enhance the squad to compete effectively in the Premier League.”
He emphasized the necessity of bringing in new players to adapt from the Championship to the Premier League, noting, “It’s essential to add more than just a few players. The squad needs to be bolstered, which would provide a significant boost.
Players are aware of the differences between the leagues and are eager for new additions. We hope to turn that desire into reality soon.”
