Potential Lineup: Steve Cooper’s Leicester City with Four New Signings

Transfer news has been abundant over the past few days, and Leicester City now have four new signings on the horizon.

Potential arrivals this week include winger Abdul Fatawu, centre-back Caleb Okoli, midfielder Michael Golding, and versatile forward Bobby De Cordova-Reid. With these additions, Steve Cooper’s squad will start to take shape.

But how might these signings impact the City starting 11? Let’s consider Cooper’s possible strategies as pre-season begins and he prepares for the opening game of the season.

Cooper achieved promotion with Nottingham Forest by employing a back-three formation, a system he frequently used in the Premier League. Given City’s defensive depth, Cooper might adopt a similar approach at the King Power Stadium.

In goal, Mads Hermansen seems an obvious choice following his excellent debut campaign with the club. Ahead of him, there are several options.

The potential signing of Okoli suggests Cooper might opt for a back three. Although Okoli is right-footed, he occasionally played on the left of a three while on loan at Frosinone last season, filling a position City might need in such a formation.

Jannik Vestergaard and Wout Faes would be prime candidates for the other two spots in a back three, mirroring their roles from last season. However, Cooper also has Conor Coady, Ben Nelson, and Harry Souttar to consider.

James Justin was a regular in City’s back three last season, often moving into the left-hand spot when Enzo Maresca’s team had possession. But in Cooper’s system, wing-backs are integral, and Justin might be more suited to this role.

The 26-year-old excels when he can use his athleticism and dynamism to move up and down the flank. He had a few successful moments on the right wing last season and looked effective.

With these potential signings and strategic adjustments, Cooper’s Leicester City could present a formidable lineup for the upcoming season.