The sense of frustration among Leicester City fans have reached its peak now after the Foxes crumbled yet again to a struggling Southampton side last week. The defending champions are now three points and two positions above the relegation zone having collected just 21 points in the opening 22 games.
Already losing 11 games this season, the Foxes have pretty much cemented the claim that last season was indeed a fluke. And though the only remaining hope is in their European campaign that resumes next month against high-flying Spanish side Sevilla although they definitely don’t look like the favourites to progress thereafter.
Although the team has failed in all departments to replicate their last season’s outstanding performance, the greatest blow has been the inefficaciousness in their attacking third. The Foxes have managed to score only 24 goals this season so far, which is really subpar compared to last season.
Their star striker Jamie Vardy, who had scored 24 goals in 36 appearances last season has managed only 5 goals in 19 appearances so far. Further frustrating that tally has been the failure of their new signing of Algeria international Islam Slimani, who joined last summer, and has only scored seven goals in 18 appearances so far, this season.
Manager Claudio Ranieri is desperate to find an effective figure up front and according to Italian media Calciomercato, the Foxes are eyeing an audacious swoop for Colombian forward Jackson Martinez. After his stints at FC Porto and Atletico Madrid, Martinez made a move to the Far-East side Chinese club Guangzhou Evergrande last year.
However, the 30-year-old has found himself struggling to see first team action there under new boss Felipe Scolari. And reportedly, he is seeking a return to Europe, where Leicester City is planning to make a move on him. A move is all the more possible with Fabio Cannavaro’s side Tianjin Quanjian showing interest in Leicester’s Slimani, after failing in their bids for Diego Costa and Nikola Kalinic.
Martinez had the reputation of a real poacher in front of the goal with the Colombian scoring 92 goals in 134 appearances during his stint at FC Porto. However, it seems like he needs time to adjust to a new club before he gets on with his trade. His Spanish stint didn’t go quite well as he managed only three goals in 22 appearances at Atletico Madrid and he was sold to China after only six months.
At 185cm, Martinez could be a real threat up front and his clinical finishing makes him a fascinating striker for any side. He could just be the spark Leicester needs to get their campaign up and running.
