Ruud van Nistelrooy explains Leicester City plan over transfer exits with trio set to move on
Ruud van Nistelrooy has admitted Leicester City players may leave this month as the club look to maintain the balance in their squad.
The focus for the January window is to recruit and help the club’s Premier League survival bid. Parma right-back Woyo Coulibaly is on course to be the first arrival, while a centre-back and right-sided winger could also come in.
But van Nistelrooy does not want a bloated squad and has said the club will speak to players whose futures may lie elsewhere. Not only do City need to keep the balance to retain squad harmony, but they need to abide by the Premier League’s 25-man squad rules. Coulibaly’s arrival would see all 25 spots filled.
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“Of course we look at the balance of the squad and what is necessary,” van Nistelrooy said. “The necessary thing is to strengthen the squad, that is the target. We want to keep our players that we think are vital for doing better and then add players.
“But we’re talking to players where they are in a situation where things can change for them. When the time is there to talk to players, we will do it.”
Hamza Choudhury is a contender to depart. The academy graduate has interest from Championship promotion contenders Sheffield United and may be surplus to requirements at City.
Choudhury has been back-up right-back to James Justin while Ricardo Pereira has been injured, but Coulibaly’s arrival would relieve him of that duty. In midfield, he appears to be fifth choice behind Harry Winks, Boubakary Soumare, Wilfred Ndidi and Oliver Skipp.
On-loan striker Odsonne Edouard could also depart with City looking to free up their second Premier League loan slot. Centre-back Caleb Okoli has been linked with a move back to Italy, but that would be unlikely unless a centre-back arrives.
