Marti Cifuentes could have serious Leicester City weapon on his hands – He’s a real talent
The first phase of Leicester City’s reconstruction appears to be finished in the next few days, as Marti Cifuentes, a
new manager, is rumoured to be on his way.
There will be many decisions to be made in the month before the 2025–26 season, which will be Leicester’s second
Championship campaign in three years, if the former QPR manager is hired as reported.
Although the Foxes’ roster appears to be strong for the level right now, departures are undoubtedly in the horizon.
Soon after his contract’s £9 million relegation release clause was made public, there has already been speculation
that Wilfried Ndidi will leave.
Stephy Mavididi and Abdul Fatawu might be another dangerous wide pair in attacking areas, but after dominating
the second division in their 2023–24 championship season, they might think they deserve a transfer to a top league.
| Stephy Mavididi and Abdul Fatawu’s 2023/24 Championship stats, per Transfermarkt | ||
| Stephy Mavididi | Abdul Fatawu | |
| Games | 46 | 40 |
| Goals | 12 | 6 |
| Assists | 6 | 13 |
If that happens, then Cifuentes may need to turn to some of his younger up-and-coming talent, and Will Alves could
perhaps be one player to make a big step into a promotion-challenging side this term.
Will Alves has a lot to prove, but could do well at Leicester City
Will Alves has been an outstanding member of the Leicester City academy since joining the team at the Under-9
level.
After making his Foxes debut in an FA Cup victory against Watford at the age of 16, the versatile offensive midfielder
has subsequently made appearances in a few EFL Cup and EFL Trophy matches in addition to being a member of
Leicester’s U21 team.
The 20-year-old made his debut Premier League game off the bench against Manchester City in the opening part of
the season, which preceded his first loan move away from the King Power Stadium last season.
He joined Cardiff City of the Championship in January, and while the Bluebirds battled and were eventually
demoted, he received his first regular senior minutes through a baptism of fire. In spite of this, Alves excelled at a
variety of positions and finished the season with eight starts, three goals, and three assists.
It was difficult to try to create chances for a team that ended up finishing last as a young attacking player getting his
first real experience of professional football.
The 20-year-old may, however, flourish on a Leicester team led by Marti Cifuentes if they have a better group that is
predicted to finish close to the top of the division. Alves still displayed glimpses of being an intriguing player.
Marti Cifuentes may be forced to use Will Alves more than expected, but this may not be a bad thing
Almost two months after Leicester was charged with violating the EFL’s financial regulations, its financial status is
still uncertain. It’s possible that the Foxes may need to exercise fiscal restraint this summer, and costly
reinforcements may not be necessary if players like Fatawu or Mavididi go.
The 20-year-old Alves might find himself in the starting lineup more frequently than he anticipated this season if
this occurs.
This could once again be viewed as a baptism of fire because the talented young player might require another loan
from the King Power in order to fully realise his potential away from a senior team that might be superior to him at
the moment.
From a different angle, though, it might present an opportunity for Alves to establish himself, and his development
might quicken while he plays frequently for Leicester.
While on loan at Cardiff last season, the 20-year-old averaged 0.4 assists and 1.61 successful dribbles per 90
minutes; therefore, a full season playing with elite Championship players could give him the confidence to take on
players and generate better chances more frequently.
Next season, Marti Cifuentes could have to give Will Alves an opportunity. But would that be a bad thing in the end?
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