Steve Cooper’s ideal transfer strategy for Leicester City and Jordan Ayew’s role in it explained.
The manager discusses transfers as Jordan Ayew is set to join from Crystal Palace, following Oliver Skipp's arrival from Tottenham to strengthen Leicester City's midfield at King Power Stadium.
Jordan Ayew is set to bring Leicester City closer to fulfilling Steve Cooper’s transfer ambitions, although the manager acknowledges that his plans may not be fully realized during this window.
Crystal Palace forward Ayew is on track to become Leicester’s seventh signing of the summer, with an £8 million deal agreed upon.
The Ghanaian forward brings versatility and experience to the attack.
While Ayew has primarily played as a winger in recent seasons, he can also operate as a striker or a number 10, which is likely the role he would fill at Leicester.
Ideally, Ayew wouldn’t be the last attacking addition Leicester makes this month.
The club is also aiming to sign a new striker and an attacking midfielder, especially since Patson Daka is out for three months following ankle surgery.
If Leicester can complete all three transfers, Cooper believes he will have the same depth and quality in attack that he currently enjoys in midfield.
The recent £20 million signing of Oli Skipp has bolstered Leicester’s midfield options, giving Cooper five players for the two deeper midfield roles.
Skipp joins Harry Winks, Wilfred Ndidi, Hamza Choudhury, and Boubakary Soumare in a well-rounded group.
Cooper is content with the midfield depth and the variety it offers. However, he wants similar depth in every position, though he admits this may not be feasible within the current window.
“We now have a nice variety and balance of midfield options,” Cooper said during his press conference on Thursday afternoon.
“The Premier League demands everything from you, and sometimes many different things within a single game.
It’s crucial to have the right depth for what’s required from game to game.
“Skippy brings a calming presence in midfield that can complement our style. We’re excited to integrate him into our system.
With our current midfield balance, we can select the right players for specific game plans.
“As for the attack, that’s certainly an area we want to strengthen.
Just like in midfield, I want to be in that position across every part of the pitch.
Given our current squad and injuries, it’s an area we’d like to improve.”
With just a week left in the transfer window, Cooper is uncertain if all the deals he desires will be completed.
However, if not, he is prepared to fully support the current squad members.
