Patson Daka – Leicester City’s new fox in the box?

Leicester City are renowned for their intuitive recruitment, and they’re kickstarting the summer transfer window with another exciting addition.

With talisman Jamie Vardy past his prime, the Foxes have eyed up a long-term replacement and they may have found one in Patson Daka.

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Red Bull Salzburg forward has agreed on terms at the King Power Stadium and will sign this summer.

Patson Daka to Leicester, done deal. Paperworks completed between #LCFC and RB Salzburg in the last hours. Personal terms already agreed. Just a matter of time then it’s gonna be announced soon. ?? #Daka

Soumaré will be joining Leicester too – new left back also in the list. https://t.co/FwT5FbzNL9

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 22, 2021

You might be familiar with his name from FIFA Career Mode or Football Manager, but it’s time to get to know the Zambian properly.

Capable of playing in a front two or leading the line solo, Daka has similar traits to current frontman Vardy. He is a right-footed, instinctive finisher who predominantly plays off the shoulder of the last man to utilise lightning-quick acceleration in behind.

Daka has stepped up to the plate after Erling Haaland’s departure to Borussia Dortmund two seasons ago. The former CAF Youth Player of the Year winner thrived in the Austrian Bundesliga during 2020/21, firing 27 goals in 28 league appearances and inevitably claiming the Player of the Season award. Only one of his 27 league goals came from the penalty spot as he helped his side to a fourth successive Austrian Bundesliga title.

Not only is the striker capable of timing runs to perfection but he provides chances for his teammates. When he runs the channels, he has the intelligence to slide the ball back to his teammates for an easier finish rather than snatching at the chance himself.

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He racked up 11 assists in all competitions throughout 2020/21, hinting the likes of Kelechi Iheanacho, James Maddison, Harvey Barnes and Vardy could all benefit from Daka’s elite decision making.

Similar to Vardy, Daka’s speciality is wriggling out of tight areas and firing snapshots in the 18-yard box. The Zambian recorded a league-high 1.43 expected goals and assists per 90 compared to Vardy’s 0.76. Albeit in a less competitive division, Daka formulated 2.21 shots on target per 90 whereas Vardy accumulated 0.86, dominating the Foxes’ striker in the shooting department.

Directly involved in a goal every 74 minutes for Salzburg, Daka will pad Leicester’s forward options as the East Midlands outfit look to respond from last season’s blip after once more failing to secure Champions League football.

It is only a matter of time when Leicester City’s new fox in the box is announced.

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