Benkovic decision, Chilwell alternatives: How Leicester City's defence could line up next season

In spite of the fact, that Leciester City have sold one of their starting centre-backs Harry Maguire with a world record fee last summer, the Foxes still show good results in their defence. However, Brendan Rodgers' side would have the opportunity to strengthen the position by bringing new fresh players during the upcoming transfer window. Here is how the Foxes defence would look like in the 2020-21 season, including current squad players and the new signings. Right-back This could be City’s strongest position, with Ricardo Pereira regarded to be one of the best right-backs in the world. The defender has recoreded more tackles than any other player in Europe’s top five leagues this season and is expected to create more chances in this position. James Justin is also likely to fill in the next term. Despite his few outings so far, he managed to show an impressive game and become a promising option for Brendan Rodgers' side. With the club, having two right-backs for the next season, their only concern can be the injury crisis. The club could go for three at the back should they have both Ricardo and Justin injured at the same time. Hamza Choudhury and Marc Albrighton have both played in defence, but not as successfully as expected. Meanwhile, Daniel Amartey is unlikely to play with the Foxes next season. Centre-back Jonny Evans will probably be in the club's first team squad next term, after proving to be one of the most improtant players at King Power Stadium along with Jamie Vardy. Caglar Soyuncu is also likely to play in the first team at least for the start of the season, however, he could face a competition for his place at the team. Though Ryan Bennett joined the Foxes with a loan deal in January, he could state his place in the squad and is likely to make his move from Wolves permanent. This can affect Filip Benkovic's future plans. City will have to make decision on the player. After impressing under Rodgers at Celtic, he failed to make progress at King Power Stadium due to his injuries and limited playing time. If he stays with the club, he would be the fourth-choice player, while his loan move to another club could give City the chance of signing a new attacking option. Meanwhile, Leicester will look to bring in a younger central defender to improve the squad. A perfect option could become Soyuncu’s Turkish international team-mate Merih Demiral, who is still 22 years old. Other possible signings could be Burnley’s James Tarkowski and Bournemouth’s Nathan Ake. Wes Morgan is set to sign a new one-year contract with the Foxes, so he will be an option too, though as fourth-choice centre-half at best. Left-back Christian Fuchs is likely to sign a one-year contract extension with the Foxes, which means Rodgers could include him on the left side of defence. The club manager's first-choice left-back still will be Ben Chilwell. However, the England international's quit is also very possible amid the huge interest from a number of clubs, particularly Chelsea. It means Rodgers' side would be looking for a first-choice defensive alternative. Porto’s Alex Telles and Benfica’s Alex Grimaldo could be possible targets for that role. Manchester United's Luke Shaw was also linked with the Foxes. However, his move strongly depends on the Red Devils' decision to play Brandon Williams. City could also eye AZ Alkmaar’s Dutch youth international Owen Wijndal. The 20-year-old could become a promising addition to the squad. Source: Leicestershire Live

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