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Leicester City has been linked with making Ademola Lookman’s loan deal a permanent in what would be an important signing for the club.
The RB Leipzig winger joined the Foxes last season to support Leicester’s attack on the right wing as well as provide cover for Harvey Barnes on the left. Throughout the first half of the 2021/22 season, Lookman was nothing more than a squad player who made handy contributions here and there.
However, in the second half of the campaign, he rivalled Barnes as the first-choice left winger and was an important player for the squad who reached the semi-finals of the UEFA Europa Conference League. In 40 appearances for Leicester City, Lookman scored eight goals and made five assists.
The 24-year-old made 15 appearances at left wing and scored five of his eight goals in those 15 games. If he were to be played in his preferred position on a more regular basis, then the King Power side could have two quality left wingers performing at a high level each week.
The loanee’s speed down the wing and versatility made him an important asset when key players were out with injuries for extended periods.
LCFC should sign Lookman as he showed that when he is played in his preferred position on the left, he is a dangerous player. The Foxes’ squad depth has been tested over the last two years with players having to deal with additional European fixtures and Covid.
If Lookman is signed permanently, he will be great for squad depth and will be a major boost for Leicester City. The Foxes would have two strong left-wingers and would be able to keep Barnes fresh as he will no longer be the sole left-winger at the club.
His presence also means that when Barnes is going through a rough patch of form, the onus will no longer be on the academy graduate to try and find a way out of the slump and instead, Brendan Rodgers will be able to utilise Lookman, who has proven he is equally as effective.
While the RB Leipzig loanee may not be the sort of player who will take Leicester to the next level, he would be a great squad player with the potential of breaking into the starting 11 on a more regular basis if he was signed on a permanent deal.
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