According to recent reports, Leicester City’s Daniel Amartey is being targeted by a host of English outfits. The three relegated sides from last season, Swansea City, Stoke City and West Brom, all have enquired about the availability of 23-year-old. With the Ghana international struggling to cut favours with Claude Puel, there is no telling where his future might lie for the upcoming season.
Amartey cost the Foxes £5m back in January 2016 and was brought in as a high flying young prospect, some even calling him one of the best midfielders in the Danish league. He did make 24 Premier League appearances in his debut season but the number got dropped to just 8 this past term. It seems like Wilfred Ndidi is the manager’s chosen one in the defensive midfield position. The 21-year-old has impressed aplenty with his solid displays on a regular basis and has come the closest to replacing N’Golo Kante at the King Power Stadium.
Amartey, who was mostly used as a right-back last season has failed to meet the necessary standards. He looked uncomfortable replacing Danny Simpson in the position and even made a few costly errors.
Puel already has the likes of Ndidi, Vicente Iborra, Adrien Silva, Andy King, Matty James, Hamza Choudhury and Papy Mendy in the club ranks and can afford to sell Amartey. The 23-year-old could find himself in a more rewardable spot, playing for a relegated side than with the Foxes.
He does have talent and the physical attributes to succeed in the English game. With 22 caps to his name already for Ghana, a change of pace might do him some good for his club career.
Amartey started his career with Ghanaian second-tier club, International Allies before making a transfer to Djurgårdens IF. He was eased into the challenges of European football when he featured for the U21 side. He later went on to make 40 appearances for the Swedish outfit and earned a move to the Super Liga giants, FC Copenhagen.
He quickly rose to world recognition due to his remarkable defensive abilities at the heart of the pitch. The 23-year-old showed potential with his passing range and an eager eye for the perfect interception.
Amartey still has two more seasons left on his contract and could easily be sold off for more than his purchase value. Puel could also reinvest the fee in finding a more capable replacement for Riyad Mahrez, who has departed for Manchester City.
