Latest Leicester City news as academy graduate’s loan spell with Premier League Sheffield United is cut shor
Enzo Maresca must decide on Luke Thomas’ future after the defender’s early return to Leicester City.
Sheffield United said on Friday that the full-back would return to the King Power Stadium following a’mutual termination’ of the loan agreement that brought him to Bramall Lane in August. He was on a season-long loan with the Blades but struggled to contribute to the club’s fight against relegation before being dropped by new boss Chris Wilder.
It was reported that the Premier League side were considering terminating the loan early earlier this month. Thomas played a total of 13 times in all competitions for Sheffield United
His earlier return will free up a loan berth for the Blades, who have been linked with City custodian Danny Ward. The Premier League club is thought to want to sign him on loan, while City want a permanent deal. However, they could accept for a loan with a buy clause at the end of the season incorporated in the contract.
Allowing Thomas to return to City might perhaps help them close the deal. Maresca has spoken publicly about the need to sell before buying this month, with City eager to sign Inter’s Stefano Sensi.
The city could possibly decide to sell Thomas this month to collect revenue for possible newcomers. Leeds were one of the clubs prominently connected in the summer, but whether they would renew their interest remains to be seen.
Another option is to loan the entire amount back out again, possibly with a buy option inserted at the end of the transaction. That would not generate immediate income, but it would free up wages. And, if the permanent agreement was required, the prospect of money in the summer could allow City to move in the market.
The final option for Maresca is to keep Thomas and reintegrate him into the team. The left-back/left centre-back position is one area that City may have improved during this window. In the event that Callum Doyle or James Justin are injured, the City Academy graduate might provide cover.
However, given that Maresca has already sent Thomas out on loan once during his tenure at City.
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