Reports: Ayoze Perez to Leicester City a “Done Deal”

With the departure of Rafa Benitez officially happening a few days ago, many rumors of players departing the club have begun to swirl. The latest of these reported departures comes from Leicester City fan and TALKSport commentator Geoff Peters.

Peters first made the claim that Leicester was in talks with Spanish forward Ayoze Perez about a potential move to Leicester, with a medical to be done soon. Peters then went on to confirm that the talks had happened today (July 2, 2019) and the Perez was set to complete a medical later on this week.

The reported fee for the forward is unclear with multiple outlets making claims. The Daily Star are claiming that the move would cost Leicester a mere £16m. A shocking price considering the Spaniard was Newcastle’s leading scorer the past two seasons, and that Championship level strikers such as Che Adams were sold for around the same price.

Miles Starforth of the Shields Gazette has made the claim that the deal is closer to £30m, which makes a little more sense considering the market for Premier League quality players.

Keith Downie of Sky Sports, also reported a £30m price tag for Ayoze.

If Ayoze were to leave to Leicester at this time, it would be a little shocking for a multitude of reasons.

Photo by Leila Coker/ MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images

For starters, it does not appear that Newcastle are doing business without a replacement manager. This is a common sense thing to do as you don’t want to sell a player, such as Perez, that a potential replacement manager may want to use. It was reported a month ago that a small deal to send Joselu back to La Liga was complete, with the player even commenting on the deal somewhat confirming it. However, Newcastle has not pulled the trigger on the deal despite the fact that Joselu is not likely in the future of any new manager of the club.

Additionally, Ayoze Perez has been very vocal about either returning to La Liga for his next chapter in his career, or going to a club that is a step above Newcastle. Many speculated that a bigger club than Newcastle would be a club in constant contention for a Champion’s League spot, not another consistent mid-table club like Leicester. It would make more sense for Ayoze to lead the line at La Liga, or get an opportunity to play European football for a club like Tottenham who are lacking a back up forward.

Finally, Leicester are not a club that necessarily needs Ayoze Perez. They have 3 competent forwards in club Legend Jamie Vardy, promising English talent Demarai Gray, and Man City product Kelachi Iheanacho. The Foxes also have a set of solid wingers in Marc Albrighton and James Maddison, which means Ayoze would be coming off the bench as a striker or winger at Leicester. Additionally there is no chance that Ayoze gets the opportunity to play in a number 10 role or as a play-making midfielder as Leicester is working hard to make Youri Tielemans a permanent player at Leicester.

Ayoze is not the first player rumored to be leaving Newcastle, and his potential exit has been a storyline of the season. Perez certainly won’t be the last player to leave the club this summer if he actually does so, wherever he goes. I personally have my doubts that this deal happens this week as it has been reported, but whatever happens I wish Ayoze the best.

Continue to watch this space, as we will continue to provide updates for you as this story unfolds. Also, be sure to follow us on Twitter at @ComingHomeNUFC