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Go For It Shakespeare: This Veteran Premier League Defender Could Be An Ideal Signing For Leicester

Bacary Sagna

Why Bacary Sagna Would Be An Ideal Signing For Leicester City

According to reports from the Daily Star, Leicester City are interested in signing former Manchester City and Arsenal defender Bacary Sagna on a free transfer. The Foxes have also been installed as the favourites to sign the France international, by betting experts Sky Bet, with odds of 2/1. 

The 34-year old became a free agent, after Manchester City released him at the end of the last season, after the expiration of his contract. Having been without a club ever since, Sagna was linked with a surprise deadline day move to Chelsea, but the champions decided to bring in Davide Zappacosta instead. Former club Arsenal too have been credited with an interest of late, but there has been no official approach as of yet.

But, it seems very much likely that Leicester would attempt to clinch the Frenchman’s signature in the coming days. Will he be a good signing for the Foxes though?

Leicester have had a more than solid transfer window, having done some very impressive business. The retention of Riyad Mahrez and Demarai Gray, combined with the signings of Harry Maguire, Kelechi Iheanacho, Vicente Iborra etc., means that they have strengthened their ranks very well. However, the right-back position seems like it lacks depth, given that Danny Simpson is the only specialist available to manager Craig Shakespeare.  

The former Newcastle United man has established himself as a consistent performer, but the Foxes cannot hope to get through the entire season with him alone as the only option. Midfielder Daniel Amartey can do a job if need be, but using him for one-off cup ties is different from having him play for an extended period in the Premier League, in case of an injury to Simpson that is.

So, targeting a right-back in the form of Sagna makes perfect sense for Shakespeare and Leicester. The 34-year old has spent ten years in the Premier League, since joining Arsenal back in 2007 from French club AJ Auxerre, and knows the league inside out. A veteran of 267 English top-flight appearances with the Gunners and City thereafter, the France international will be an excellent backup option to have, just because of the sheer volume of experience he will be able to bring in and the know-how of having played for two of the biggest sides in the country.

Last season, he made 25 appearances for Pep Guardiola’s side in all competitions, in which he managed only 2 assists. Sagna might not be the same force that he used to be in the past, but he can still be a solid option to have in the squad.

Strong in the air, good with the ball at his feet and a decent crosser of the ball, he can add value with his ability to slot in at left-back or in the heart of the defence as well. Given his experience and proven pedigree, Sagna could prove to be the perfect squad player to have, for the Foxes.