According to a recent report from French media outlet Le 10 Sport, Leicester City have made an offer for LOSC Lille’s defender Gabriel Magalhaes. The report adds that Everton have also made an offer for the defender. However, it is believed that Lille haven’t accepted any offers yet.
The Mirror recently revealed that Everton are looking to sign him for £30m. Magalhaes has his contract with the Ligue 1 outfit until 2023. It remains to be seen whether he would be moving on in the summer or not after establishing himself for Lille.
Magalhaes has been with Lille since 2017. The defender has made 34 appearances in all competitions this campaign. Also, he played all the Champions League ties for his side in the group stage.
Does Leicester City need a centre back?
The Foxes have an established centre back pairing in the form of Caglar Soyuncu and Jonny Evans. The duo has done well for large parts, and Soyuncu is someone who has caught the eye of many. As a result, he has attracted interest from high profile clubs like Manchester City who require a centre back. Hence, Brendan Rodgers might need to be prepared for a situation to replace Soyuncu.
Even if Soyuncu stays, one might believe that a centre back would be on the club’s plan as Wes Morgan’s contract is expiring in the summer. Hence, a centre back might be needed anyway.
What can Magalhaes offer?
The Brazilian centre half has impressed with his reading of the game. The 22-year-old averages 1.8 tackles, 1.2 interceptions and 3.3 clearances per 90 minutes (Whoscored). He seems to know where the danger is arriving and is usually found in the right place at the right time to snuff it out.
Magalhaes is a decent passer of the ball from the back though he might need some improvement on that. The Brazilian is usually strong in his aerial duels. Premier League would certainly be a step up for him. However, Magalhaes has shown positive signs for Lille this season, and he has gained valuable experience of playing in the Champions League as well. The defender is still 22, so he should improve further from here onwards.
Hence, we think that he could be worth considering in the summer. Leicester City have had a knack of picking out unknown gems and turning them into star players. Magalhaes has the potential to be a Soyuncu kind of signing, and the Foxes should look to get him on board in the summer.
