Last year, Zambian striker Patson Daka was nearly transferred to AFC Bournemouth from Leicester City, but the deal collapsed on deadline day. Since then, the 25-year-old has continually been linked with a move away from the club.
As of December 9, 2023, Daka had featured in just one of Leicester City’s first 19 league matches, was on the bench ten times, and missed eight games. This lack of playing time signaled a potential departure during the January transfer window. Later, according to The Nerve Africa despite interest from Spanish club Real Betis for a loan in January, Leicester rejected the offer.
Related The Nerve Africa article: Patson Daka’s Salary Profile
However, with teammates Kelechi Iheanacho and Jamie Vardy unavailable in December due to illness and injury respectively, coach Enzo Maresca called upon Daka. He responded by scoring two goals each against Plymouth and Millwall, and another brace against Rotherham in six consecutive Championship starts, before joining the Zambian national team for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Despite his poor performance post-AFCON, speculation about his future has resumed as the next transfer window approaches. Sources close to Daka say he wishes to stay at Leicester City and aims to return to Premier League action next season.
Despite some fans calling for his exit, Maresca believes Daka has the potential to be an important player for Leicester in the Premier League next season.
Leicester’s coach, Maresca, was informed that he needed to sell a player to raise funds for new signings, making loans an unfavorable option.
Daka, who won the 2017 CAF African Young Player of the Year Award and is valued at €14 million by Transfermarkt, has two years remaining on his Leicester City contract. Since joining from Red Bull Salzburg in 2021, he has scored 22 goals and provided 13 assists in 95 appearances across all competitions.
