August 16, (THEWILL) – Leicester City have signed highly-rated Italian midfielder, Cesare Casadei, on a season-long loan from Chelsea, who can pose a challenge for Wilfred Ndidi.
The 20-year-old joins the Foxes after an impressive campaign last season where he was named Player of the Tournament and Golden Boot winner at the U-20 World Cup, leading Italy to a second place finish. Casadei will provide competition for Nigeria’s Ndidi in the heart of Leicester’s midfield. Ndidi has been deployed in a more advanced role by Foxes boss, Enzo Maresca, so far but could now face a fight for game time with Casadei’s arrival.
The Italian is a natural defensive midfielder, unlike Ndidi, who has been playing out of position. With new signing, Harry Winks, seeming to have nailed down the primary holding role in Maresca’s preferred 4-3-3 system, Ndidi may have to settle for a place on the bench or find a new niche in the team. However, the Nigerian has made his versatility obvious while playing in other positions as assigned, even playing as an attacking midfielder, and scoring in the League Cup.
Casadei joins the Foxes seeking first team opportunities after failing to break into Chelsea’s star-studded midfield. Mauricio Pochettino has focused on promoting youth talent but intense competition for places has forced many prospects out on loan. Leicester will hope the Italian can replicate countryman Nicolo Barella’s rise from Chelsea loanee to Championship star.
The loan signing adds depth to Leicester’s midfield ranks as they put efforts into quickly returning to the English top flight. Casadei will be eager to establish himself as a starting XI player and could force Ndidi into a fight for his place or a change of position to stay in Rodgers’ plans.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
