Approach Made: Leicester Competes to Sign £17m “Machine” Ahead of Premier League Rivals

After retaining Wilfred Ndidi, Leicester City have reportedly made their first approach to sign a £17 million midfield partner for the Nigerian this summer.

Leicester Transfer News

Positive developments are finally emerging for the Foxes after a tumultuous start to the summer transfer window, during which Enzo Maresca and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall left the King Power for Stamford Bridge and Chelsea.

Without a manager, Leicester appointed Steve Cooper, who has since brought in new signings, including Issahaku Fatawu on a permanent deal, as well as Caleb Okoli, Michael Golding, and Bobby De Cordova-Reid. However, the most underrated move this summer was securing Ndidi’s new contract when he seemed set to leave as a free agent.

Upon signing the unexpected extension, Ndidi expressed his joy to Leicester’s official website: “I feel great, I feel excited, I feel at home. That’s the most important thing. I feel really happy to continue with the Club. My family is settled here, and everyone back home, when they say Ndidi, they say Leicester also! It’s really amazing to be a part of this journey going forward.”

In a further boost, the Foxes are now looking to pair the Nigerian with a new midfield partner. According to South American journalist Nicola Parcerias, Leicester have approached Palmeiras to sign Richard Rios this summer, competing with Everton for his signature.

Rios, a central midfielder, recently helped Colombia reach the final of the 2024 Copa América, where they lost to Argentina. Palmeiras are reportedly open to negotiating his exit for around €20 million (£17 million), despite his substantial release clause of approximately €100 million (£84 million).

“Machine” Rios Can Provide Balance Next to Ndidi

Given his successful Copa América, it’s no surprise that Rios is attracting Premier League interest, particularly as Leicester aims to establish a solid midfield foundation. A balanced partnership between the “ball-carrying machine” Rios, as described by Ben Mattinson, and Ndidi, known for his ball recovery skills, could be key to their strategy.

Leicester must be mindful of the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules to avoid sanctions. However, if they can secure a rising talent like Rios without financial repercussions, it would be considered shrewd business.

Balancing their budget, the Foxes might yet secure the ideal partner for Ndidi before the transfer window closes.