Leicester City fans were initially concerned about the possibility of Wilfred Ndidi leaving the club this summer, fearing a repeat of the Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall situation. The potential departure of the Nigerian midfielder would have left significant gaps in Leicester’s midfield. However, those worries were alleviated when Ndidi signed a new contract, committing his future to the club.
Despite this, manager Steve Cooper and his team are still looking to strengthen their midfield options. One player on their radar is Tottenham Hotspur’s Oliver Skipp, who has similar qualities to Ndidi.
According to Football Insider, Leicester is planning to make a move for Skipp, who has been seeking a way out of Tottenham. Previously, Leeds United showed interest in the midfielder, but Skipp is reportedly unwilling to drop to the Championship. This puts Leicester in a strong position to secure his signature.
2️⃣ in 2️⃣ for Wilf. pic.twitter.com/UU8fqT7OFR
— Leicester City (@LCFC) April 25, 2024
Acquiring Skipp would greatly enhance Leicester’s midfield, especially with the recent addition of Michael Golding. Skipp, at 23, could be a long-term replacement for Ndidi, who may move on after his current contract ends. Skipp’s qualities would help Leicester aim for a stable position in the Premier League.
Skipp could potentially become a fan favorite at Leicester, similar to Ndidi. Last season, he was largely a bench player at Tottenham, with only five Premier League starts under manager Ange Postecoglou. In contrast, Ndidi has made 273 appearances for Leicester since 2017 and remains crucial to the team.
Comparing Ndidi’s and Skipp’s Championship Stats:
| Stat (* = per 90 mins) | Ndidi (23/24) | Skipp (20/21) |
|————————|—————|—————|
| Games played | 32 | 45 |
| Goals scored | 4 | 1 |
| Assists | 5 | 1 |
| Touches* | 37.8 | 68.1 |
| Accurate passes | 21.5 (82%) | 49.1 (88%) |
| Big chances created | 5 | 3 |
| Interceptions* | 0.8 | 1.1 |
| Tackles* | 1.2 | 2.2 |
| Total duels won* | 3.2 | 5.7 |
Skipp’s performance during his loan spell at Norwich City, where he played a key role in their promotion campaign, highlights his ability to disrupt play and distribute the ball effectively. These skills would be valuable for Leicester, especially if they face a defensively challenging season.
Additionally, Skipp would reunite with former Tottenham teammate Harry Winks at Leicester. Winks has proven his capability in the Premier League, and Skipp’s familiarity with him could help ease his transition.
Tottenham legend Glenn Hoddle has praised Skipp as “fabulous,” and Cooper might find him an excellent addition to Leicester’s squad.
