Leicester City confirm striker transfer as return speculation put to bed

Latest Leicester City transfer news as striker Nathan Opoku rejoins OH Leuven on loan for the 2023-24 season after joining the Foxes from Syracuse University in the January window

Leicester City striker Nathan Opoku has rejoined OH Leuven on loan for the 2023-24 season.

The 21-year-old was signed by City from Syracuse University on transfer deadline day this past January, and spent the second half of the season on loan at Leuven, who are also owned by King Power. He played seven times in the Belgian top flight, scoring three times.

City have now confirmed that the Ghanaian striker will spend the next full season back at the Belgian club, who are looking to climb the table after finishing 10th last season – one place above Anderlecht in the league.

There was talk among supporters that Opoku could have stayed at Leicester for the upcoming season, with new rules in English football allowing him to sign, even though he would be ineligible for a work permit. But that has now been disproved by a return to Belgium.

Shortly after Opoku signed for Leicester, manager Brendan Rodgers confirmed that he was “signed for Leuven”, suggesting that there may never have been the intention for Opoku to play for City at any point.

Although as the season progressed, Opoku admitted in the media that he was uncertain about his future, having not had communication from either club about where he would be playing next season. That situation has now been resolved, though it remains unclear whether the forward has a future at Leicester.

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With James Maddison’s departure from Leicester City confirmed earlier this week, it feels like in recent days, transfer links surrounding the Foxes have intensified.

Perhaps as a result of that, Leicester City have now officially confirmed their first signing of the Enzo Maresca era.

Indeed, ironically arriving from Spurs, where Maddison was sold, midfielder Harry Winks has joined the club.

The 27-year-old’s arrival was announced on the club’s official channels on Saturday, with confirmation that the English midfielder has put pen to paper on a three-year deal with the Foxes.

Harry Winks’ first words

Along with his official announcement, Harry Winks gave his first club interview as a Leicester player.

During said interview, he revealed his reasons for joining the club, and what he was looking forward to most at Leicester.

Speaking to Leicester City club media, Winks revealed: “I’m delighted,”

“I’m really excited for the challenge ahead.

“It’s an amazing club with great history and the facilities are incredible. I’m just so happy to be here and ready to get going.

“I’m looking forward to getting started, to have a full pre-season with the team and come here early to get ready for the games coming up.

“It’s going to be an important few weeks to get everyone ready and to push myself getting fit.

“I’m also looking forward to a new challenge and to challenge myself.

“Coming to a club like Leicester is the perfect chance to do that.

How much did Harry Winks cost Leicester City?

As clubs often do when they announce new arrivals, Leicester City chose not to insert the transfer fee that they paid for Winks in their statement.

However, although we cannot say a figure officially, plenty of outlets have been reporting a figure.

For example, BBC Sport claim that the Foxes have paid a figure close to £10 million pounds for the 27-years old.

Is Harry Winks a good signing for Leicester City?

This is a signing that would not have totally looked out of the place in the Premier League.

Therefore, in terms of the quality of player they are getting, this does seem like it could be a good deal for Leicester City.

That said, Leicester are not in the Premier League anymore, and it must be said that £10 million is a very significant figure for a Championship club.

It may well prove money well spent if Winks can help lead them to promotion, though.