Steve Cooper Faces Difficult Decision on ‘Important’ Leicester City Player If Matias Soule Signs – Opinion
Steve Cooper remains determined to secure the signing of Argentinian winger Matias Soule ahead of the 2024/25 Premier League season. Although Soule is reportedly leaning towards a move to Roma at present, Leicester City has made a substantial bid of around £21 million for the Juventus attacker.
Regardless of whether Cooper succeeds in bringing Soule on board, it’s evident that he is keen to strengthen his wide options, even with the confirmed arrivals of Issahaku Fatawu and Bobby De Cordova-Reid this summer. This situation might render a Leicester City winger surplus to requirements, potentially leading Cooper to make a decision about him.
Leicester City Winger Kasey McAteer May Need to be Loaned Out
Despite having adequate wide players, Cooper is determined to add more to his squad, which could make it challenging for Kasey McAteer to secure a first-team position for the 2024/25 Premier League season. McAteer may need to be loaned out to a top Championship club to continue his development, as a lack of regular game time at 22 could negatively impact his growth.
McAteer made 23 appearances during Leicester’s Championship-winning 2023/24 season and was considered ‘important’ by former manager Enzo Maresca, according to Fotmob.
Could Kasey McAteer Make an Impact in the Premier League?
Cooper will be mindful of his squad’s Premier League experience as the new season approaches, evidenced by the importance of retaining key players like Wilfred Ndidi and Jamie Vardy, both of whom have signed new deals at King Power Stadium.
While McAteer played a crucial role in the Championship last season, making an immediate impact in the Premier League may be a challenge for him. Though he is close to being capable of making a difference at the top level, spending the season on the bench could hinder his development more than gaining regular playtime in the Championship.
If Soule or other wide targets do not join Leicester City, McAteer could become a valuable asset to Cooper’s plans. However, if the team does secure their preferred wide players, it would be beneficial for McAteer to spend a season elsewhere to continue his development.
