Leicester City are focused on a revival under their new manager, Ruud van Nistelrooy, who signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with the club earlier this week.
The Dutchman made one immediate impact in his debut gamesecuring a 3-1 win over West Ham United and ending a three-game losing streak.
Despite this positive start, Leicester face significant challenges as they sit 16th in the Premier League. With the January transfer window looming, Van Nistelrooy will be expected to address the glaring weaknesses in his squad, particularly on the right wing following Abdul Fatawu’s season-ending knee injury.
One name linked with the Foxes is PSV Eindhoven star Ismael Saibari, a player Van Nistelrooy knows well from his time managing the Dutch outfit.
Ruud van Nistelrooy aimed to sign Ismael Saibari
Dutch journalist Marcel van der Kraan has urged the Leicester boss to meet Saibari, describing the Morocco international as one of Europe’s best emerging talents.
Speaking to talkSPORT, Van der Kraan expressed his confidence in Saibari’s ability to make an impact at the King Power Stadium. He said (citation goes Leicester City news):
“He (Ismael Saibari) is, at the moment, the best player (at PSV).
“He is a player that I can see Ruud betting on at some point this season or at the end of the season if things go well or they give him the money. Because he is a player he has worked with before and who is an absolutely top-level talent in Europe.”
Ismael Saibari: Rise to prominence
The 23-year-old has been in sensational form for PSV this season, contributing three goals and five assists in 10 Eredivisie appearances, and a total of 10 goals in 16 games in all competitions. This takes his total for the club to 21 goals and 26 assists in 127 games in all competitions and levels. (Transfer market)
Although primarily a midfielder, Saibari’s ability to excel at right-back adds the versatility Leicester desperately need.
However, securing their services will not be simple. Saibari recently signed a contract extension with PSV until 2029, giving the Dutch club strong bargaining power. Leicester would need significant financial support to lure him to the Premier League.
For Van Nistelrooy, signing a player of Saibari’s caliber could be transformative as he looks to lift Leicester out of the relegation battle and re-establish them as a Premier League force.
As January approaches, the Foxes’ search for fresh talent could define their season. With Van Nistelrooy’s track record and eye for talent, Leicester fans will be hoping for a change to steer their team away from the relegation zone and back towards mid-table safety.
