As Leicester City approaches the final stretch of the summer transfer window, Steve Cooper’s vision for strengthening the squad is becoming clearer. Crystal Palace forward Jordan Ayew is poised to become the club’s seventh summer signing, with an £8 million transfer deal agreed. Ayew, known for his versatility and experience, is expected to add a significant boost to Leicester City’s front line.
Ayew, who has predominantly played as a winger in recent seasons but can also operate as a striker or an attacking midfielder, is anticipated to slot into the wing position for Leicester. His arrival is part of Cooper’s broader strategy to enhance the team’s attacking options, particularly in light of Patson Daka’s recent injury. Daka will be sidelined for three months following ankle surgery, making the acquisition of Ayew an even more crucial element of Cooper’s plan.
Cooper’s ideal scenario involves not just Ayew but also the addition of a new striker and an attacking midfielder. The Leicester boss is eager to bolster the squad further to ensure depth and quality in every attacking position. Achieving all three targets would provide Cooper with the attacking strength he currently feels he has in midfield, following the recent £20 million acquisition of Oli Skipp.
Skipp’s arrival has significantly strengthened Leicester’s midfield, providing Cooper with a robust lineup that includes Harry Winks, Wilfred Ndidi, Hamza Choudhury, and Boubakary Soumare. Cooper is pleased with the balance and variety now available in midfield, which he believes is essential for adapting to the demands of the Premier League.
“Now we have a nice variety and balance of midfield options,” Cooper remarked during his Thursday press conference. “The Premier League demands everything of you, and sometimes a lot of different things even in one game. It’s always important to have the right strength in depth for what’s needed from game to game.”
Cooper’s focus is now on replicating this depth and variety in other areas of the pitch, especially in attack. He is clear about his intentions but also realistic about the challenges posed by the remaining time in the transfer window. With just a week left before the window closes, there are concerns that not all desired deals may come to fruition.
“If it doesn’t happen, we’ve got maximum belief in these guys,” Cooper stated, acknowledging the uncertainty while expressing confidence in his current squad. “That’s really important. I think we will add players, but if we don’t we’ll get on with it and we’ll commit to reaching our objectives.”
Cooper’s commitment to his squad remains unwavering, and he is determined to support his players regardless of how the transfer window unfolds. The addition of any new signings will only enhance the existing squad, which Cooper describes as possessing a “fantastic spirit” and a strong desire to succeed.
As Leicester City prepares for the remainder of the transfer window, the arrival of Jordan Ayew represents a significant step towards achieving Steve Cooper’s strategic goals. While there may still be uncertainties and challenges ahead, the club’s focus remains on strengthening the squad and ensuring a competitive edge for the upcoming season.
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