“Van Nistelrooy Tipped to Bring Champions League Star to Leicester City”
"Ruud van Nistelrooy Discusses Potential January Transfers Ahead of Leicester’s 3-1 Victory Over West Ham"
During his pre-match press conference ahead of Leicester City’s game against West Ham, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Steve Cooper’s replacement at the King Power Stadium, hinted that the Foxes could be active in the transfer market if funds become available.
Van Nistelrooy emphasized his desire to assess the squad he has inherited but remains open to bolstering the roster.
Leicester delivered an impressive performance against West Ham, with standout displays from several players.
Van Nistelrooy praised Jamie Vardy, Bilal El-Khannouss, and Patson Daka, who all found the net, while also singling out goalkeeper Mads Hermansen as “unbelievable” and calling Conor Coady, Jannik Vestergaard, Boubakary Soumaré, and Wilfred Ndidi “outstanding.”
Van Nistelrooy’s PSV Connection and Transfer Targets
Van Nistelrooy’s prior experience as manager of PSV Eindhoven could influence his transfer plans at Leicester.
He played a key role in nurturing a generation of young talents at PSV, including Chelsea’s Noni Madueke, England international Xavi Simons, and Johan Bakayoko, who is expected to join a major European club soon.
Dutch football expert Marcel van der Kraan believes Van Nistelrooy might target Ismael Saibari, a rising star at PSV.
Saibari, a Morocco international born in Barcelona, has been a standout performer in the Eredivisie. Van der Kraan told talkSPORT:
“Noni Madueke became a top player under him. Xavi Simons, who plays for the national team, also thrived under Ruud. Saibari is another one.
He’s currently the top player at PSV and someone I can see Ruud going for, possibly in January or the summer, if he’s given the funds. He’s a top talent in Europe.”
Saibari’s Rising Stock
Saibari has been in excellent form for PSV during the 2024/25 season. Known for his quick feet, explosive finishing, and ability to drive through defenses, he has tallied four goals and six assists so far.
He also shone in high-profile matches, scoring against Juventus and assisting against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.
PSV legend Rene van der Gijp predicts that Saibari could eventually join Arsenal, but Leicester may serve as a sensible stepping stone if Van Nistelrooy can continue to build momentum at the Foxes.
Van Nistelrooy Hints at January Transfers
Van Nistelrooy confirmed that Leicester City’s management is open to discussing potential January signings.
He revealed that conversations with the club’s hierarchy had been transparent, covering both the immediate and long-term future.
“That was a topic of discussion [with the Leicester bosses],” Van Nistelrooy said when asked about winter transfer plans.
“The conversations were open and clear. January was discussed, as well as the current squad.
“I need to make a good assessment over the coming weeks before January, giving every player a chance. I’m working with people at the club but also looking to bring in others.”
A Bright Future for Leicester?
If Leicester can build on their recent win over West Ham, Van Nistelrooy’s PSV connections and tactical acumen may enable the club to attract top talent like Saibari.
While Arsenal may loom as a future destination for the Moroccan star, Leicester could provide him the platform to further develop under a manager who knows his strengths.
Van Nistelrooy’s willingness to integrate fresh talent into the squad signals an exciting new chapter for the Foxes, with January transfers potentially setting the stage for a resurgence in the Premier League.
