Leicester City are ready to make a move for Lille starlet Boubakary Soumaré. According to recent reports in the English press, the Foxes are lining up a move for the French teenager who has been dubbed as the new Paul Pogba. It is also believed that Manchester City are also monitoring his progress in Ligue 1 and has sent their academy chief Brian Marwood to watch the 18-year-old midfielder in action. He has reportedly made a trip to France to witness the teenage prospect in action during Lille’s 2-1 defeat against Rennes. However, they are not alone in their pursuit of the youngster and could be joined by Leicester as well as Everton.
The youngster graduated from the Paris Saint-Germain Academy but has failed to establish himself as a first-team regular for the Ligue 1 club in this campaign. Although, he has put in some dazzling cameos for the French club which has grown his list of admirers. The Foxes has been impressed with his performances this season and could move in with an offer for the French wonder-kid in the near future. Despite his age, Soumare has shown his strength and mobility in the French league which has led to his playing style being compared to Manchester United’s Paul Pogba.
Soumare has only made three starts for the Ligue 1 side this term but has made an impression on the Foxes with his displays. However, the French club’s £25m asking price for the 18-year-old midfielder could prove to be a major stumbling block for any potential deal to take place.
Leicester City are currently in 7th place in the Premier League standings with a total tally of 34 goals in 23 league matches. The West Midlands club recently secured a 2-0 home victory versus Watford in their last league outing on Saturday.
A potential move for Soumaré would undoubtedly bolster their options in the future but it does not look like he will be a signing who can break into Claude Puel’s current starting eleven at the King Power Stadium. The West Midlands outfit has made a habit of developing raw talents into future stars as evidenced by the emergence of Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez in recent seasons. They could definitely provide a platform for one of the most promising youngsters in European football to grow and fulfil his potential at Leicester in the coming years.
It remains to be seen whether Claude Puel’s side are successful in fending off stiff competition from Manchester City and Everton in pursuit of the 18-year-old’s signature.
