Steve Cooper Identifies Crucial Transfer Leicester City Must Complete

Leicester City needs to secure a replacement for Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall to be ready for the Premier League season opener.

Dewsbury-Hall was sold to Chelsea for £30m this summer to comply with Profit and Sustainability Rules, leaving a void in the squad after his standout performance in last season’s Championship title success.

New manager Steve Cooper insists that City cannot enter the new season without signing a replacement for him.

After City’s 2-1 pre-season victory over Shrewsbury, Cooper emphasized his desire for a few more additions, aiming to have them ready for the opening fixture against Tottenham on August 19. While he didn’t specify the positions needing reinforcement, he acknowledged that a forward-thinking midfielder like Dewsbury-Hall is crucial.

“We definitely have to bring players in, and everybody knows that,” Cooper said. “The club is trying to do that. Sometimes it’s not easy, but we need to ensure that when the first game comes, we’re ready to perform in the Premier League.

“It’s not as simple as saying we need this or that position. We need specific profiles and attributes to strengthen the squad. I won’t specify the number of players we need because it could create misconceptions.

“Dewsbury-Hall had an excellent season last year, and the more I reviewed his performances, the more I appreciated his contribution.

He’s gone now, and we wish him well, but we must move forward. Replacing him and addressing other key positions is a priority, and we’re actively working on it.

“There’s a lot happening behind the scenes that hasn’t reached the media. The club is working hard, and we have a clear plan. Hopefully, we can secure a few players soon.”

In addition to a midfielder, a new winger is also a priority. Juventus’s Matias Soule is a prominent target, and Arsenal’s Reiss Nelson has recently been linked. A new full-back is also being considered.