Leicester need cash and it is apparent that Brendan Rodgers’ side could start to offload a number of their players on the cheap – the latest example is Dennis Praet, according to reports, and Celtic should consider taking advantage. The Foxes managed just two signings in the summer window – signing Wout Faes as a replacement for Wesley Fofana. Alex Smithies, also, on a free transfer. But Leicester needed so much more. Financially, they could not do it.
The club desperately need to offload a number of players in order to reduce the wage bill. Some of their dead wood, on large-ish wages, will be the first players in which Rodgers must axe. Praet, 28, is an example of that. CalcioMercato report that Leicester are willing to cash in on Belgium international Praet for a bargain £4million. That is, despite spending around £18million to sign him in 2019 – and earning 15 Belgium caps. Should Celtic move?
Celtic do have numerous options in the middle of the park. In terms of attacking midfielders, Matt O’Riley and Reo Hatate start. David Turnbull is another option. But they could do with another body in that area, given the schedule. Especially, with O’Riley being linked with a summer exit. Reports claim Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United all want to sign the Denmark Under-21 international. So, Celtic could do with signing another player in the no.8 role.
Praet fits the bill. While his Leicester form has been intermittent and questionable, his time at Anderlecht was superb. While with the Belgian giants, Praet had a hand in 66 goals during 182 appearances – scoring 27 himself. The Belgium international also offers cover out wide and while Celtic are well-stocked in that area, it is another option. He has a contract at Leicester until the summer of 2024, but Celtic should look at the Leicester man at £4m.