Leicester City have identified a Colombian international as a possibility to sign this summer.
Steve Cooper has continued his lengthy pursuit of bringing midfield talent to the King Power Stadium.
The departure of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who joined back up with former Leicester City manager Enzo Maresca, has shaped the transfer plan for Cooper ahead of the 2024/25 Premier League campaign, with midfielders being prioritised.
Michael Golding has been Leicester City’s only signing in the centre of the park so far, however they had previously targeted the likes of Callum O’Hare, who has now signed for Sheffield United.
They also identified Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley as a potential replacement for Dewsbury-Hall, with Cooper’s side now in ‘pole-position’ to sign the Danish international.
The search for midfielders does not stop there for Cooper, with a Colombian star reportedly attracting interest from the Foxes manager.
Leicester City show interest in Colombian star Richard Rios
Palmeiras midfielder Richard Rios is reportedly attracting interest from Premier League clubs, with Leicester City keen on signing the midfielder, per UOL.
Leicester City are joined by fellow Premier League side Everton in the pursuit for the 24-year-old, who the Foxes are looking to sign permanently.
Rios has 13 caps for Colombia, including playing on six occasions in the 2024 Copa America where his side reached the final.
The midfielder is usually utilised as a defensive-midfielder, however he has the capabilities to push further forward if needed.
He has a wealth of experience in South America, despite his age, having tallied 82 appearances for Brazilian giants Palmeiras.
Defensive-midfield squad depth will give Wilfred Ndidi attacking freedom for Leicester City
The 2023/24 Championship campaign under Maresca saw Nigerian midfielder Wilfred Ndidi played slightly further forward than his usual defensive-midfield position, with the 27-year-old thriving when given more free roam to move forward.
Harry Winks was utilised to sit further back in the midfield three, however Ndidi did sometimes have to sit back on some occasions alongside the English midfielder, therefore limiting his abilities.
The potential arrival of Rios could ensure the crucial depth in the position and could therefore ensure that Ndidi won’t have to drop back alongside Winks.
Ndidi managed an impressive nine goal contributions last season in 32 appearances, averaging over 0.28 goal contributions per game, a staggering amount in comparison to his average of over 0.08 goal contributions per game in his previous seven seasons at Leicester City.
Leicester City may have to rely more on Ndidi’s new-found attacking abilities this season due to the departure of Dewsbury-Hall, therefore making it crucial that the Nigerian can focus on this, whilst Rios potentially fills any gaps in defensive-midfield.
