Well, I was actually expecting a little more transfer activity today from Leicester City before the window closed at 6pm. However, the only two confirmed signings so far are Yuki Abe and fan favourite Martyn Waghorn.
Here's a little bit about the two, and what fans can expect to see.
I hope to add either to this blog, or to create others in relation to it, when more signings are unveiled.
Name: Yuki Abe
Age: 28
Position: Defensive midfielder
Transfer fee: Undisclosed (although rumours suggest the fee to be around £2 million).
Last season:
Abe spent the last of his three seasons playing for Urawa Red Dragons in Japan, scoring twice in 38 appearances. He also played in one match at the 2010 World Cup
First thoughts:
A fairly unknown quantity really, but still quite an interesting prospect. Most Leicester fans will not have heard of him before as this will be the first English side Abe has played for.
Who does he replace?
No-one, although it does add fuel to the fire that certain Leicester City players might be looking to leave the club.
What can he bring to Leicester City?
Abe adds an extra dimension to the starting XI with his preferred role being that of a defensive midfielder. Whilst Paulo Sousa’s new attacking style of play looks promising at times, it does leave the defence exposed at the back when the opposition counter attacks. This signing might give Andy King more freedom to push forward in midfield and support his strikers if a 4-4-2 formation is adopted.
Transfer rating: 7/10
Name: Martyn Waghorn
Age: 20
Position: Striker
Transfer fee: Undisclosed (although thought to be a fee rising to ₤3 million).
Last season:
Waghorn spent last year at Leicester City on a season long loan from Sunderland F.C. He scored twelve goals in 28 starts for the Foxes and established himself as a fan favourite. Was voted as Leicester City Young Player of the Season for 2009-2010.
First thoughts:
Almost too good to be true. The majority of Leicester fans wanted Waghorn to move on a permanent deal at the end of last season but Sunderland manager Steve Bruce made it clear that he was not for sale. However, with the Black Cats signing Ghanaian striker Asamoah Gyan for a club record fee, Waghorn made the switch back to the Walkers Stadium on a permanent deal this time.
Who does he replace?
DJ Campbell, who finally made a permanent move to Blackpool after a number of spells on loan for the Seasiders.
What can he bring to Leicester City?
Waghorn has good pace, as well as exceptional strength for someone of his size. He offers a much needed goal scoring threat – an area where Leicester have struggled in so far this season. Fans will love his desire and commitment, and will be confident that the 20 year old will be able to do for Leicester what DJ Campbell never could. However, fans and players alike must be wary of putting too much pressure on young shoulders to turn Leicester’s season around in an instant. Still, Waghorn is a great player with bags of potential.
Transfer rating: 9/10
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Like I say, I'll be adding to this over the next few days.
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