A quick look at two more Leicester City signings who have arrived at the Walkers Stadium in the last seven days.
Name: Sol Bamba
Age: 25
Position: Centre-half
Transfer fee: Undisclosed
Last season:
Played 32 games for Hibernian, scoring twice in the process. Was also selected for the Ivory Coast international side for the 2010 World Cup but failed to make the starting eleven. Never established himself at Hibernian during the first half of the 2010/11 season.
First thoughts:
A bit of an unknown quantity, but Sven-Goran Eriksson has done a fairly solid job with the players he has brought in since his arrival. Was dominant in his first game for the Foxes, and his first touch in English football was a goal in Leicester’s 2-2 FA Cup draw against Manchester City on Sunday.
Who does he replace?
Michael Morrison, whose departure to Sheffield Wednesday at the end of last week left Leicester with a limited number of defenders. He also provides as more than adequate cover for the injured Miguel Vitor and Aleksandar Tunchev.
What can he bring to Leicester City?
Bamba provides a desperately needed aerial threat from set pieces; something Leicester have been lacking all season. He terrorised a Premier League back four on Sunday with his physical presence. Also, Bamba possesses surprisingly good speed for a centre back; that, combined with his height, should limit the amount of long balls played by the opposition. He will do well to maintain his place in the team when Miguel Vitor returns from injury.
Transfer rating: 7.5/10
Name: Yakubu Aiyegbeni
Age: 28
Position: Striker
Transfer fee: On loan from Everton until end of the season, with a view to a permanent signing in the summer.
Last season:
Struggled to establish himself as the lone striker at Everton over the last two seasons due to injuries, and more recently fell behind Louis Saha and Jermaine Beckford in the pecking order.
First thoughts:
A huge name signing for Leicester City – despite it being a loan signing. Before his Achilles injury, "the Yak" had a fantastic goal scoring record at Portsmouth, Middlesborough and early Everton days and he could be lethal at this level. However, there are question marks regarding his ability to stay free from injury.
Who does he replace?
Matty Fryatt, who left the club to join former manager Nigel Pearson at Hull City this month. His presence will also likely push Darius Vassell back out to the right side of midfield to maintain Eriksson’s preferred 4-5-1/4-3-3 formation. It will also impact negatively upon the amount of games Steve Howard plays for the rest of the season. Yakubu more than likely goes straight into the starting XI for Leicester’s game against Preston on Saturday.
What can he bring to Leicester City?
Yakubu has a great eye for goal and when playing his best football is unplayable. He will occupy the lone striker role, and with support from Darius Vassell, Lloyd Dyer and Paul Gallagher, as well as from a strong central midfield core, the Nigerian international could be just what Leicester need for a promotion push over the next few months.
However, this signing shows more about the intent of Sven-Goran Eriksson. He has stated his desire to manage in the Premier League again, and he wants to do that with Leicester. This is the big name signing he has spoken about. There were question marks over bringing Dariuss Vassell to Leicester which have recently been answered, and this one could also be on the money. Potentially a bit of a risk but time will tell if it pays off.
Transfer rating: 8.5/10
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