Leicester City’s Survival Hopes Fading as Wolves’ Smart Business Pays Off
Leicester City are staring at relegation from the Premier League, needing nothing short of a miracle with just nine matches remaining.
The Foxes currently sit nine points behind 17th-placed Wolves, who have pulled clear of the danger zone with a crucial draw against Everton and a victory over Southampton.
Heading into the international break, Leicester endured a disastrous run of 13 defeats in 14 matches, and things could get even worse when they face Manchester City next week. Calls for Ruud van Nistelrooy’s dismissal have grown louder, but after parting ways with Steve Cooper in November, the club cannot afford to sack the Dutchman. While Van Nistelrooy has struggled, Leicester’s lack of transfer activity in January has also played a major role in their decline.
Leicester Missed Out on Key Defensive Reinforcement
Van Nistelrooy had hoped to bring in four new players during the winter window, yet Leicester’s only addition was right-back Woyo Coulibaly for £3 million. This inactivity proved costly, particularly in central defence, where Wout Faes and Jannik Vestergaard have failed to perform.
Instead of strengthening their backline, Leicester watched as Wolves made a game-changing signing in Emmanuel Agbadou from Stade Reims for £16.6 million. The Ivorian has transformed Wolves’ defence with his strength, pace, and composure, helping Vítor Pereira’s side steer clear of the relegation battle.
Agbadou’s Impact Compared to Leicester’s Struggles
Leicester’s defensive options, including Faes, Vestergaard, Conor Coady, and Caleb Okoli, have been far from convincing. While Okoli offers some athleticism, he lacks the physical dominance of Agbadou, who has been described as ‘exceptional’ for Wolves.
Since Agbadou’s arrival, Wolves have picked up 10 points, while Leicester have managed just three and failed to score in their last seven matches. While the Ivorian alone wouldn’t have saved Leicester, his presence could have significantly improved their chances of survival.
