What Jamie Vardy staying at Leicester mean for Riyad Mahrez and N’Golo Kante
How does Jamie Vardy’s decision to remain at Leicester City impact the likes of Riyad Mahrez and N’Golo Kante?
Leicester City fans are rightly rejoicing at the recent revelation that striker Jamie Vardy will spurn Arsenal and return to King Power Stadium next season. Once the euphoria of Vardy’s decision wears off, fans will appropriately turn their focus on the futures of Riyad Mahrez and N’Golo Kante.
Vardy’s snubbing of the Gunners (assuming he follows through) undeniably opens up the possibility of the Foxes hanging on to all three stars. While that seemed like a pipe dream a couple of weeks ago, rational Leicester City cans can begin to dream about retaining all three in the aftermath of Vardy’s decision.
That doesn’t mean that it’s the most likely scenario though. While Vardy coming back is great news for the defending champions, it doesn’t guarantee that either Kante or Mahrez will return next season. Both stars will still be faced with a myriad of transfer opportunities over the coming weeks.
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In particular, Kante still seems like a significant flight risk. The French midfielder has been the least hesitant of the trio to commit his long-term future to the club even after their miraculous title run. Most of his comments to the media make it clear that he’s, at the very least, open to inquiries from other clubs.
His lack of public commitment to Leicester has opened up the flood gates in terms of new opportunities for Kante. He could easily return to France to star for PSG, or he could make a big money Premier League move to the likes of Chelsea or Arsenal. Smart clubs realize that he was just as important to his team’s success as their prolific attackers.
Keeping Kante is still going to be an uphill battle for Leicester. He’s going to receive big-money offers and it seems that his head has already been turned. The club is right to already be examining potential replacements for their top midfielder.
Vardy’s decision to return really helps the club’s position with Riyad Mahrez. While Kante has repeatedly declined to commit his future to the club, Mahrez has been quite open about wanting to stay. His media comments seem like a man who is really looking for reasons to remain in his comfort zone with Leicester.
That doesn’t mean that he won’t have plenty of other options. There will always be a demand for attacking players with his kind of skill and finishing ability. Add in the fact that he’s just entering the prime of his career and you’ve got a recipe for interest from every big club in Europe. Leicester need be particularly concerned about Real Madrid, Barcelona, and the usual Premier League suspects.
Related Story: Leicester close in on Vardy striking partner
Retaining Jamie Vardy significantly increases the chances of Leicester holding on to Riyad Mahrez and N’Golo Kante. It may not be enough to keep them both with Claudio Ranieri’s club next season, but it at least makes it a possibility.