Leicester City will compete in the Premier League this upcoming season after dominating the Championship under Enzo Maresca.
Leicester finished first in the second division, securing a swift return to the top flight. However, Maresca, the architect of their promotion, has now left the King Power Stadium for Chelsea.
In a significant blow to the Midlands outfit, Maresca also took Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall to Stamford Bridge.
Dewsbury-Hall, who scored 12 goals and provided 15 assists during the promotion-winning season, leaves a substantial void in Leicester’s squad.
Steve Cooper, the new manager, is keen for Leicester to replace Dewsbury-Hall this summer and the club has already been linked with several midfielders. One notable target is Sunderland midfielder Pierre Ekwah.
Leicester City also aims to bring Arthur Melo back to the Premier League to strengthen their midfield. Additionally, another central midfielder has caught the club’s attention.
Amir Richardson, who shone at the Paris Olympics, is now a potential target.
Morocco faced off with Spain in the semi-finals of the men’s football tournament at the Paris Olympics on August 5th.
Although the African outfit was bested by two goals to one, their exit bodes well for Leicester.
According to The Athletic, Stade Reims midfielder Amir Richardson is now free to secure a summer transfer after Morocco’s knockout from the Olympics.
Richardson, who impressed in Paris, is being closely monitored by Leicester, and the club is now considering a move.
Reims values the 22-year-old at around £13m, with Leicester set to face competition from several Serie A sides for his services.
Amir Richardson, born in Nice, France, began his youth career with OGC Nice before moving to Le Havre AC’s U19 side in 2019.
He spent three years with the club, featuring 69 times in all competitions, scoring three goals, and providing five assists.
He was sold to Stade Reims in August 2022 for around £1.7m and was loaned back to Le Havre for the 2022/23 campaign.
Richardson made his senior debut for Reims in the 2023/24 season, scoring three goals and assisting one in 28 Ligue 1 matches.
The former Nice product is a natural central midfielder but is also capable of operating in a more defensive role at the base of midfield.
Richardson was handed his Morocco debut in September 2023 and has since earned seven caps for his country.
