Leicester City are planning to bring in Aymen Abdennour from Valencia. The Tunisian international has long been linked with a move to the English Premier League but it seems his desire to play in the world’s most competitive league could be fulfilled at last.
The hit pair of Robert Huth and Wes Morgan haven’t been at their best in the last season as the Foxes endured a very poor outing. Massive changes in the defence are imminent and the overhaul has already started as Shakespeare brought in Harry Maguire from Hull City to sharpen his backline.
The aged backline could be a problem for the Foxes considering the stiff competition in the Premier League these days. Both Morgan and Huth were the pillars of the defence but their performance last term was not up to the mark.
Everton were heavily linked with the player after the departure of John Stones to Manchester City. Everton were formulating a contingency plan to replace the English international and had identified him as a potential successor.
But things didn’t turn out so well as Valencia refused to part ways with the player.
The 27-year-old started just nine games last season as he had been restricted mostly to the bench with Ezequiel Garay and Eliaquim Mangala the preferred choice at the Mestalla for most of the season.
Chelsea did come very close to signing the player but some last minute hiccups jeopardised the move and they re-signed David Luiz from Paris Saint Germain last season. Abdennour’s best time was at French side Toulouse where he attracted top clubs of Europe with his top notch defending.
He then joined Monaco after a very short but impressive loan spell. His consistent performance in the back line proved to be enough to earn a move to Valencia in 2015. He provided the side with some stability in the defence as Valencia managed to finish in a respectable 12th position in the 2015/16 season.
Shakespeare knows the credibility of the player and if he arrives, he would be able to blossom in the Premier League given his playing style. His dominance in the air could be an added advantage for the Foxes who really struggled with their defensive setup last time. The 27-year-old is also very fluid on the left side of the defence so if needed he could be a backup option for Shakespeare.
The Foxes might face stiff competition from Southampton who are also keeping a tab on the player.
