Leicester added to suitors for Croatia winger with multiple summer options

Josip.Brekalo.2021.TEAMtalk1

Reports claim Leicester City have joined the growing list of clubs keen on Wolfsburg winger Josip Brekalo and a bidding war is expected this summer.

The 23-year-old has been with the Bundesliga outfit for five years, totalling 119 appearances in all competitions. He also spent 18 months on loan with Stuttgart, helping Die Roten achieve promotion in 2016-2017. But rumours that he is eyeing a new challenge will not go away and many clubs have been linked.

Back in May both Everton and Leeds United were mentioned in connection with the Croatia international. Although the Toffees’ interest seems to have cooled, the Whites remain in the hunt.

But Bayern Munich, Napoli, Inter Milan, Atletico Madrid and Fiorentina have also been linked. LaLiga champions Atletico were thought to be leading the race, according to CalcioMercato.

However, the Foxes can now be added to the list, as per The Sunday Mirror. And with the versatile forward preferring a move to the Premier League, the East Midlanders may hold the aces.

It is thought the former Dinamo Zagreb wide man will cost in the region of £15m. And there were reports that Wolfsburg were seeking a loan deal with an option to purchase in 2022.

Whether that meets with Brendan Rodgers’ approval is not known but whoever lands the player will be getting a bargain. Able to operate on either flank, he impressed for Croatia in three appearances at Euro 2020.

The Zagreb-born ace can also play just off the main striker, giving his manager many options.

Brekalo value may be climbing

With so many big-name clubs thought to be interested, Die Wolfe might be hoping for a larger fee. And Calciomercato also reported this week that the Germans were hoping there would be an “auction” for the player.

He is under contract until the summer of 2023 but that should not prevent a switch of clubs. Real Sociedad and French club Lyon are also thought to be in the frame but not among the favourites for his signature.

Leicester have already made three signings this summer. Patson Daka arrived from RB Salzburg. Boubakary Soumare moved from Lille to the King Power and Ryan Bertrand has joined on a free transfer.

Boubakary Soumare pic via Leicester City TEAMtalk

Rodgers is hoping his new acquisitions will help lift the club into the top four. They just missed out on the Champions League in the past two campaigns and will play in the Europa League in 2021-2022.

The Northern Irishman wants quality in his ranks and Brekalo would certainly provide that.

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