Leicester Could Strike Gold by Selling “Powerful” Star Still Valued Higher Than Soule – Opinion

Leicester City managed to return to the Premier League at the first time of asking last season, not suffering any last-minute heartbreaks like Leeds United.

Instead, they triumphantly held the Championship title aloft at the end of the challenging 46-game marathon.

Despite this success, Enzo Maresca has left the Foxes’ hot seat, and Steve Cooper is now tasked with keeping the East Midlands outfit afloat upon their re-entry to the top division.

The former Nottingham Forest boss has already made several new signings, with Matias Soule potentially the next to join. However, Cooper will also have to make some tough decisions regarding offloading certain players.

Victor Kristiansen’s Future at Leicester

Leicester fans might have forgotten about Victor Kristiansen, who joined the King Power Stadium for a record-breaking £17m in 2023.

The Danish full-back was the most expensive player ever sold from his native Superliga. Despite the hefty price tag, Kristiansen struggled to acclimatize to English football, leading to a loan move to Bologna after Leicester’s relegation.

There were rumors that Bologna might sign the 21-year-old permanently, but that deal hasn’t materialized. Kristiansen has returned to Leicester for first-team training after representing Denmark in the Euros.

With only 14 appearances for Leicester, his time at the club could be cut short if he is moved on, despite showing early promise in the Premier League.

Kristiansen made an emotional debut in February last year, excelling in a 4-2 win against Aston Villa by winning 100% of his ground duels. He also helped Bologna secure Champions League football during his loan. Given his recent performance, Cooper might consider retaining him.

Kristiansen’s Transfer Value in 2024

According to Football Transfers, Kristiansen’s value has soared to £29.4m, making him Leicester’s most valuable asset. This substantial increase suggests that selling him now could be a smart move, as his value might decrease in the future.

The ex-Bologna loanee stands out in comparison to other Leicester players such as Wout Faes, Wilfried Ndidi, and Stephy Mavididi, who have lower transfer values despite contributing to the club’s success last season. Offloading Kristiansen could capitalize on his current high worth, providing financial flexibility for further squad improvements.

 New Signings and Future Prospects

Leicester is hopeful that their investment in Soule will pay off. The Juventus winger impressed in Serie A last season, scoring 11 goals in 39 appearances for Frosinone. This performance suggests he could be a valuable addition to the squad.

Iwan Roberts, a former Leicester player, once described Kristiansen as a “powerful” player. However, the deal hasn’t worked out as hoped, and his time at the King Power could soon end if a suitor is willing to invest in his services.

Conclusion

Leicester City’s immediate return to the Premier League was a significant achievement. However, the club faces important decisions to ensure stability and success in the top division.

Victor Kristiansen’s future remains uncertain, with his high transfer value offering a potential financial boost. Meanwhile, new signings like Matias Soule could provide the necessary firepower for the upcoming season.

Steve Cooper’s management and strategic decisions will be crucial in navigating these transitions and maintaining Leicester’s competitive edge in the Premier League.