LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 06: Steve Cooper, Manager of Nottingham Forest, looks dejected during the Premier League match between Fulham FC and Nottingham Forest at Craven Cottage on December 06, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images)
Steve Cooper faces tough call over Leicester City ace if Matias Soule arrives
The Leicester City attacker could see his game time be depleted as a result of on-going links to Matias Soule.
Steve Cooper remains adamant to secure the signing of Argentinian winger Matias Soule ahead of the 2024/25 Premier League campaign.
It remains to be seen whether Cooper will get his man, especially with the Juventus attacker reportedly preferring a move to Roma at this moment in time, however Leicester City have placed a sizeable bid of around £21m to obtain Soule’s services.
Whether Cooper is able to secure a move for the youngster or not, it is clear that he is very keen to bolster his wide options, despite the arrivals of Issahaku Fatawu and Bobby De Cordova-Reid being confirmed this summer.
As a result, this could leave a Leicester City winger surplus to requirements, and Cooper may have to make a decision on him.
READ MORE: Leicester City table ‘new bid’ for key transfer target, Cooper ‘hopeful’ of sealing deal next week
Leicester City winger Kasey McAteer may have to be loaned out this season
Despite having sufficient wide players, Cooper remains adamant to add wide players to his squad, which could make it difficult for Kasey McAteer to lock down a first-team spot in the 2024/25 Premier League season.
It could be a case that McAteer is loaned out to a top Championship club in order to aid his development, as not having guaranteed game time at the age of 22 could be highly detrimental to the youngsters development.
McAteer featured on 23 occasions in the Championship winning 2023/24 campaign, and was described as ‘important’ by former boss Enzo Maresca, per Fotmob.
READ MORE: Former Leicester City title winner ‘in talks’ over shock return to Premier League
Would Kasey McAteer provide a significant impact at Premier League level
Cooper will be wary on how much Premier League experience he has around the team ahead of the new season, shown by the necessity in keeping hold of the likes of Wilfted Ndidi and Jamie Vardy, both of which have signed a new deal at the King Power.
Although McAteer was able to play a significant part against the odds last season and play up to Championship standard, it would be unlikely for him to make a quick impact in the Premier League.
The winger certainly isn’t far from being able to make a difference at the top level, however it would certainly hinder his development if he spent the season looking on from the bench, as opposed to being a star player at Championship level.
If Soule, or any of Cooper’s other wide targets are unable to join Leicester City, McAteer could be useful to the former Nottingham Forest manager’s plans, otherwise it would be best for the 22-year-old to spend a short spell elsewhere.
READ MORE:
Leicester City table ‘new bid’ for key transfer target, Cooper ‘hopeful’ of sealing deal next week
Steve Cooper has identified the youngster as one of his key targets for Leicester City.
Leicester City are slowly but surely preparing for their return to the Premier League following their promotion from the Championship in the 2023/24 campaign.
There are new faces around, including new manager Steve Cooper, who has attempted to get his business done early.
Midfield signings have been prioritised by Cooper after he lost Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall to Chelsea, where the English midfielder sought to reconnect with former Leicester City boss Enzo Maresca.
Matt O’Riley looks increasingly likely to join Leicester City ahead of the new season as a replacement for Dewsbury-Hall.
One other transfer battle that has taken centre-stage is Cooper’s ongoing pursuit for a young winger to add to his side.
Leicester City make improved bid for Matias Soule in latest twist
Juventus’ Matias Soule had previously reportedly chosen to stay in Serie A and join Roma this summer, however the Foxes have returned to the bidding war with a reported new offer for the Argentinian, per John Percy on X.
The Foxes are ‘hopeful of sealing a deal next week’ after they reportedly made ‘a new bid of around £21m’ for Soule, with ‘£17m’ up-front for the winger.
The 21-year-old spent the 2023/24 campaign on loan at Serie A outfit Frosinone, alongside new Leicester City signing Caleb Okoli.
