Possible PL destinations for Leicester exile Nampalys Mendy
According to a report by Leicester Mercury, Frenchman Nampalys Mendy will be shown the exit door by Leicester City, when the transfer window reopens in January.
The out-of-favour midfielder, who joined the club for a fee of around £10m, has represented the Foxes in just one league game this year after falling down the pecking order under new manager Brendan Rodgers.
His time in England has been marred by injuries. He was finally offered a chance under Claude Puel, who was his former manager at Nice. He formed a formidable partnership with Wilfred Ndidi in the middle and made a total of 31 league appearances.
In spite of being a regular starter under Puel, Mendy failed to score even a single goal that season. And Rodgers, meanwhile, has preferred to play a more attacking brand of football.
The arrival of midfielders Youri Tielemans and Dennis Praet has placed Mendy lower down the pecking order. Consistent performances from the young Hamza Choudhury has also added to the Frenchman’s woes.
Let’s look at the three clubs which could possibly be the 27-year old’s next destination if he stays in England.
West Ham United
After recent signings Sebastian Haller and Pablo Fornals failed to put up a consistent show, West Ham are now tenth in the table with three wins, four draws and three losses.
For the Hammers, Declan Rice has teed up alongside an ageing Mark Noble in the middle of the park to dictate the tempo of their side. However, fan-favourite Noble is past his prime and needs to be replaced.
Pedro Obiang’s departure and persistent injuries to Englishman Jack Wilshere has put the Hammers in a difficult spot. And Mendy would be a viable option to reduce Declan’s defensive workload and bring forth the creative edge that they lack.
Moreover, Mendy would be raring to get back onto the pitch and prove a point after being sidelined by Rodgers.
Everton
Nothing has happened according to plan for Marco Silva and his Everton side, as they currently are 16th on the table. Summer signings Alex Iwobi and Moise Kean have not been able to live up to their potential.
Another newcomer Jean Philippe Gbamin, unfortunately, has suffered a thigh injury which will keep him out of action till next year.
Silva’s current midfielders and experienced campaigners Morgan Schneiderlin and Fabian Delph have been unable to dictate the passes. The team is in dire need of a player who can control the game from behind.
In Mendy, the Toffees will have a safe bet as the midfielder is unlikely to be too expensive. Though small in stature, the Frenchman can be up for challenges and has a simple distribution – something which Everton direly need right now. Thus, Papy could be the answer to their problems.
Newcastle United
Another team which is sinking in the bottom half of the table (17th) could be another possible destination for the Frenchman.
Coach Steve Bruce must seek a revival of fortunes as another defeat might push them into the relegation zone, thereby rustling the supporters’ ire.
Local boy Sean Longstaff has established himself as a regular but the rest like Jonjo Shelvey, Matt Richie and Isaac Hayden seem unable to overcome their slump in form.
They are in real need of someone who can be banked upon. And to that end, Mendy would be eager to make up for the lost time and bring back his days of glory.