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7 goals and 13 assists – Who’s this Mahrez replacement targeted by Leicester? All you need to know

Mohamed Elyounoussi

Mohamed Elyounoussi to Leicester City – Good move or bad?

Leicester City are reportedly interested in a move for FC Basel winger Mohamed Elyounoussi and the club are keen on bringing him to the King Power Stadium once the upcoming summer window commences. (Daily Mail)

The main reason for them wanting to sign a new winger is the uncertainty surrounding Riyad Mahrez’s future. Although the Algerian has been a mainstay at the club ever since they won the title, he is being widely speculated to be keen on an exit this summer.

If that happens, Claude Puel will need a replacement pronto. Despite living dangerously close to the relegation zone, Leicester have managed to turn things around for themselves under the former Southampton manager’s watchful eyes. Craig Shakespeare’s sacking was rather unfortunate but the Leicester owners are known to be quite ruthless – a fact that was illustrated when they sacked Claudio Ranieri hardly a year after the miraculous title win.

However, moving forward, they will need to perform a lot better and there is no doubt that the club will be nursing higher ambitions. Hence, a move for a new winger could prove to be beneficial even if Mahrez chooses to stay back. Although the Foxes have been interested in him for a while now, the spotlight fell on Elyounoussi after he scored Basel’s stunning equaliser against Manchester City in the Champions League.

In fact, this season so far, he has scored 7 goals and provided 13 assists for Basel and is rightfully regarded as one of the most promising attackers across Europe. Such a player can work wonders for Leicester next season as they aim to do better.

Currently occupying 8th place in the league standings, Leicester could have easily challenged for a spot in the top-six had they played this way from the beginning of the season. That is something they will target in the upcoming season.

To that end, Elyounoussi can certainly boost their chances. He played a crucial role in Basel’s Champions League exploits this season and that goes on to show the kind of impact he is capable of providing. Although he is not the speediest attackers around, Elyounoussi can trouble the defenders and thrives in one-on-one situations. Also, he can take advantage of the tiniest spaces to capitalise and his finishing skills are quite refined as well.

Hence, the Foxes must do everything they can to acquire his signature this summer.