Russell Martin confirms surprise Leicester striker transfer news
Leicester City had no established senior centre-forward on their books for at least a month after the departures of undesirables Patson Daka and Jordan Ayew left a gaping hole in their attack, one that looked increasingly difficult to fill as the transfer window ticked down. The wait at King Power Stadium finally ended this week when Admir Bristric signed from NK Olimpija Ljubljana, becoming the LE2 club's first specialist No.9 capture of the summer.
Navigating English Football League One without proven, consistent goalscorers would have made an already challenging campaign potentially impossible, with opposition defences quickly growing confident that they could shut down any Foxes threat before it even begins. Bristric was prolific in Slovenia, but that ain't England by a long shot (please excuse the pun) - stepping up to this country's physicality and intensity is a massive leap for any player.
Meanwhile, several excellent additions materialised on Filbert Way, several of whom bring international experience and genuine quality to the squad, yet far too many of the new faces are attacking midfielders and wingers rather than out-and-out strikers. Liam Cullen, Wes Burns, Tommy Watson, Conor Chaplin and Harry Howell all add creativity, pace and versatility, but none of them are natural centre forwards who can reliably be expected to score 20-plus goals in a season.
Leicester City's lot for the season
It appears Russell Martin has been informed by City's powers-that-be that Bristric is the last striker he will receive this summer, which explains why he has highlighted Cullen (who was a ST in his younger days) and De Cordova-Reid as options to lead the line, or support it, in spite being better known as supporting forwards or wingers. The latter may be trialed as a false nine and could arguably prove a shrewd and experienced understudy, bringing know-how and leadership as a long-serving Jamaica National Team representative.
The question on every Leicester fan's lips is simple: can any of these attackers reinvent themselves and hit regular goals this coming campaign? It is a tall order, and one that will certainly define LCFC's promotion hopes.
With the striker search now officially closed, recruitment will presumably shift in earnest to centre-back, another area of real concern for Martin's side. For instance, Ben Nelson shall be unavailable for months, so a replacement is required.
In the meantime, Caleb Okoli is a wanted man in Italy's Serie A, for some reason. While Harry Souttar's links to Sheffield United won't go away either. Even Wout Faes could leave Leicester as well.
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