Leicester City press conference notes as Enzo Maresca's transfer revelation evokes bad memories
Enzo Maresca speaks to the media at his press conference
To this point, the only barrier to Leicester City doing business this January was their 25-man squad. All the places were filled, and so if City were to bring anybody in, they would have to make room first.
But that seemed like a formality. Enzo Maresca expected some of his players to come forward and request a move elsewhere, while the manager, at least since the end of November, has said that City were “clear” on what they wanted to do. Indeed, less than a week after the window opened, Daniel Iversen moved to Stoke on loan and City now have an open spot in their squad.
But then, a revelation. Asked about the possibility of bringing players in, Maresca said at Friday’s press conference: “We are not able to do anything unless we sell players.”
This was a surprise. The manager had not given any indication previously that City actually had to make some money from those who left before they could make a signing.
The talk behind the scenes was that City would be in the market for a player or two to strengthen their promotion bid. Now, all of a sudden, it seems they won’t be.
“The situation is quite clear,” said Maresca. “Since we started, we have clear targets, but in this moment, we are not allowed to do anything.
“It’s open, so anything can happen (in terms of sales). We are happy with the squad we have. But my personal opinion is that when you are strong, you can get stronger. It’s better. But sometimes you are not allowed to do it.”
The situation is a little reminiscent of the summer of 2022. Before heading off for his holiday, Brendan Rodgers spoke for months of a “healthy shake-up” of his squad, one he was so confident in being able to pull off that he told existing players they were free to seek new clubs. Then, in July 2022, speaking for the first time since May and with no new faces in his squad, Rodgers revealed that the club actually needed to sell players first.
The current situation is not as serious as the last. Given their points tally right now, not being able to do any transfers is not a disaster for City. They can win this league with the squad they have. But the situation is a little odd.
Transfer focus on midfielder after Ndidi blow
And it’s particularly frustrating given it was accompanied by the news that Wilfred Ndidi is out for potentially three months. It’s a blow that would have focused City’s transfer business on a new midfielder.
If they do now make a sale and free up some cash, that’s where their pursuit will be. Dennis Praet can’t seem to keep fit either, and so City are down to Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Cesare Casadei and Yunus Akgun as the three players to cover the two number eight positions.
Injuries won’t stop heavy rotation
Ndidi will be one of eight players missing for the FA Cup trip to Millwall, with Praet, Jamie Vardy, Kasey McAteer, Kelechi Iheanacho, and Will Alves injured, and with Harry Souttar and Patson Daka away on international duty. But for now, City do have enough players to get by.
It does mean though, that if Maresca plans to rotate as he says he does, changing “seven or eight” players, then youngsters will need to get involved. It could mean there’s a first senior start for Ben Nelson, a first start since August for Wanya Marcal, and maybe even a debut for Tawanda Maswanhise. That’s something to look out for.