During his time at Manchester City, it appeared as though Kelechi Iheanacho was destined for big things. He joined an exclusive list of players to have scored ten Premier League goals before the age of 20 and was nominated for the FIFA Golden Boy award in 2016. His £25 million move to Leicester City in 2017 was expected to propel his career to the next level, but he has failed to muscle his way into contention as a first-team regular to date. The Nigerian striker may now be wondering whether a move away from the Foxes would be the best way to gain regular playing time.
Previously Thought to be Vardy Replacement
When Iheanacho joined the King Power Stadium club, it seemed as though he was being signed as Jamie Vardy’s long term replacement. The England international is rapidly approaching his 34th birthday, and there are question marks over how many years he has left in the game.
However, the former Fleetwood Town man has continued to be one of the deadliest forwards in the topflight despite also being among the oldest players. He won the Premier League Golden Boot in 2019-20 with 23 goals and is on track to better that after eight goals in eight games in the 2020-21 campaign as of the November international break.
Vardy’s remarkable form has led Leicester to be considered genuine title contenders, and they can be backed at 22/1 to win the league as of the 18th November with Betway – incidentally, one of the most popular bookmakers in Nigeria. Naturally, some fans will be taking this into consideration and will turn to the odds, especially considering how Leicester defied much higher odds in the 2015-16 season.
There are numerous markets to bet on in Nigeria, as well as a wide variety of payment methods to make the process as seamless as possible. Some sites even offer up to 100 percent first deposit match bonuses as they hope to entice new customers. It’s no surprise that the betting industry is experiencing growth, allowing for better competition.
In addition to helping the Foxes enter the title discussion, Vardy’s ruthlessness in front of goal has been keeping Iheanacho out of the starting XI. With Iheanacho already 24 years old, he should be entering the prime of his career.
But without adequate playing time, he is unlikely to reach his potential. There is no doubt that when Vardy is firing on all cylinders he is the first choice to lead the Foxes’ line. And it seems as though the veteran could still have a couple of seasons left in him.
Rodgers Lacking Faith in Striker
Brendan Rodgers has preferred to use the Nigerian as a late substitution in the dying phases of the game, or not at all. Iheanacho has put in some sensational performances during his time at the King Power Stadium but has never really had the chance to develop a run of form.
It appears that the former Liverpool boss lacks faith in his Nigerian forward, as he only selected him for a solitary start in the first eight games of the 2020-21 campaign. Indeed, there was even one occasion against Arsenal when the Northern Irish coach opted to deploy Harvey Barnes in the false nine position rather than start with Iheanacho up front.
In the 2020-21 season, Rodgers seems to have settled on his preferred line-up in the topflight. Unfortunately for Iheanacho, he hasn’t been part of the manager’s plans so far and has had to make do with appearances in the Europa League instead.
The Nigeria international has impressed in the competition, though, with three goals and three assists from a trio of appearances. If he can keep up this output in Europe, it will be hard for Rodgers to leave the forward out of the Premier League side for too long.
Could be the Main Man Elsewhere
Iheanacho may be getting itchy feet at Leicester, knowing that his chances of displacing Vardy are slim. The Foxes were rumored to be trying to sell the player last summer, and the striker may be tempted to seek a move elsewhere as well. There are plenty of other clubs at which Iheanacho would represent an upgrade at the forefront of the attack. Burnley and Sheffield United, for instance, are desperate for better firepower. Alternatively, Iheanacho could seek a move to another club in Europe.
It is unfortunate for Iheanacho that Vardy is in such outstanding form because it is hard to imagine the Nigerian muscling the Englishman out of the starting XI. For Iheanacho to have a chance of reaching his full potential, a move to another club could be the best option.