According to recent reports, Leicester City target Josip Ilicic has fallen out of favour of Fiorentina manager Paulo Sousa after inconsistent performances this season. The 28-year-old midfielder has managed only two assists in the opening 8 games of the season till now and the club have made up their mind of disposing off the midfielder if any lucrative offer comes their way in the winter transfer.
Leicester City were chasing the Slovenia international in the summer but gave up their pursuit after Fiorentina promised a contract extension to Ilicic till 2021. With the chance now wide open, the Foxes would not be wasting time in signing their target.
According to Calciomercato, Fiorentina executives have failed to make contact with the former Palermo star and the player is not happy anymore at the club. Ilicic could leave in January if the right offer arrives, but he’s more likely to leave Fiorentina once the season ends.
There are also rumours that Fiorentina gave found a replacement of Ilicic in Ianis Hagi, who is supposedly the son of former Romania footballer Gheroghe. Ianis made his Serie A debut last weekend in Fiorentina’s 5-3 away win to Cagliari.
After one hell of a season last year, where Claudio Ranieri helped Leicester City to lift the English Premier League trophy, their form has fallen this season. They have just managed to gather 12 points in the opening 10 games and are currently sitting at the 11th position. They have already lost more games this season than they had lost the entire last season.
With the coming in of a midfielder like Ilicic, who is 190 cm in height and possess the attributes to add creativity up front, Ranieri could be looking for another top flight finish despite starting poorly.
Ilicic’s current form is not a matter of big concern as Ranieri is known for his brilliance in taking out the best from a player as he did with Robert Huth, Riyad Mahrez, Jamie Vardy and Danny Drinkwater last season.
Ilicic can play in a number of positions like left wing, right wing, forward as well as attacking midfield. His strength lies in his passing, dribbling, holding on to the ball and lethal long shots. His height would also help in winning aerial duels in the attacking third.
Leicester have still stuck to the same 4-4-2 blueprint but perhaps that could change if Ilicic arrives. The Slovenian’s strongest position is arguably behind the striker as it enables him to use his passing ability.
