Leicester City Could Consider Selling £75k-a-week Star
Leicester City Could Consider Selling £75k-a-week Star
Leicester City are reportedly considering parting ways with Patson Daka in the upcoming summer transfer window, especially after a series of notable mistakes during the current season.
As the 2023-24 regular season nears its end, Leicester City must regain their early-season form to secure a return to the Premier League.
Currently sitting in second place in the Championship, a recent 1-0 defeat to Plymouth Argyle has added pressure, with Leeds and Ipswich Town also faltering, making the race for the two automatic promotion spots in May highly competitive.
Regardless of which division they compete in next season, Leicester may be without striker Patson Daka, as his inconsistent performances and high wages could lead to his departure from the club this summer.
Expectations were high when Leicester signed Daka in the summer of 2021. The Zambian striker had impressed with 27 goals in 28 matches for Red Bull Salzburg in the Austrian Bundesliga, prompting then-manager Brendan Rodgers to secure his services for £22 million, with the club describing him as “an exciting young striker.”
The subsequent five-year deal signified Leicester’s belief in Daka’s potential to succeed Jamie Vardy in the squad.
Despite his promising talent, Daka has struggled to replicate his previous success at Leicester. With an estimated weekly wage of £75,000, his performances have not consistently justified the club’s investment.
While he has shown glimpses of his ability, such as earning his Zambia international debut at 16, he has failed to deliver consistently in front of goal for Leicester, scoring only 23 goals in 94 matches across all competitions. His return of nine Premier League goals in two seasons has fallen short of expectations, highlighting his inconsistency.
Daka’s inconsistency has been a recurring issue throughout his Leicester career, often experiencing goal droughts for extended periods. Despite starting only 15 league matches this season, contributing seven goals and five assists, he has not been able to establish himself as a key player under manager Enzo Maresca, who has often preferred Kelechi Iheanacho and Vardy in the starting lineup.
In addition to his on-field performances, Daka’s high wages could pose a financial burden for Leicester, especially as the club faces potential financial difficulties and a points deduction next season. Selling Daka this summer, with two years left on his contract, could provide the club with a chance to recoup a significant fee and improve their financial stability as they aim for promotion to the Premier League.
