Leicester City Now ‘Frontrunners’ to Sign ‘Outstanding’ £10.6m Forward, Superior to Daka – Opinion
Steve Cooper Recognizes the Importance of a Regular Goalscorer for Leicester City's Premier League Survival
With Kelechi Iheanacho leaving at the expiration of his contract, Leicester City are left with Jamie Vardy, Patson Daka, and Tom Cannon as striker options.
Vardy has featured just once in pre-season and is set to miss the start of the new campaign due to injury. Cannon was expected to leave on loan prior to Vardy’s absence.
Meanwhile, Daka has been inconsistent and struggled to score regularly since joining Leicester in 2021, which has prompted Steve Cooper to seek improvements to spearhead the Foxes’ attack.
Given the financial constraints this summer, the loan market could be crucial for Leicester. It now appears that they may utilize it to address their center-forward troubles.
Leicester Frontrunners to Sign Chelsea Striker David Datro Fofana on Loan
Strikers who can guarantee goals at the top level come at a premium, and Leicester are unlikely to afford such a player outright. However, it seems Cooper is keen to bring in a young forward with significant potential to boost Leicester’s survival hopes.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who posted on ‘X’: “David Datro Fofana is expected to leave Chelsea this summer on loan with a possible obligation-to-buy clause. Leicester City are currently leading the race, with Stuttgart and Villarreal also interested.”
Fofana a Better Option than Patson Daka for Steve Cooper
Chelsea signed Fofana from Norwegian club Molde in January 2023 after he registered an impressive 34 goal contributions in 65 games.
Despite struggling on loan at Union Berlin in the first half of last season, Fofana was much more impressive at Burnley in the second half.
The Ivory Coast forward scored four goals and provided one assist despite starting just ten games for a struggling Burnley side. This showcased the quality that convinced Chelsea to spend £10.6 million to sign him.
In contrast, Daka managed only four goals in 30 games as Leicester were relegated from the Premier League in the 2022/23 season, also providing four assists.
Burnley boss Vincent Kompany praised Fofana after the 21-year-old scored a stunning strike against West Ham in March, saying, “It seems like he’s growing into the season and into the team as well. We will need performances like the one he gave against West Ham.
He was outstanding. The entire performance from Fofana was outstanding and we’ve needed it.”
A powerful runner and a real menace to defenders similar to Vardy, Fofana could prove a valuable addition if Leicester can secure the deal.
Fofana has shown he can score goals in a struggling side, providing Leicester with a better outlet than Daka.
His superior presence and potential make him an appealing option for Cooper as he seeks to strengthen Leicester’s attack ahead of the new season.
If Leicester can finalize the loan deal for Fofana, they will gain a forward with proven ability and room for growth, enhancing their chances of a successful campaign.
