Premier League spending has already reached an unprecedented £1 billion this summer. This has smashed the previous record of £870 million last season.
13 teams have broken their previous transfer record, signalling the importance of staying in the Premier league and a sign of the increased revenue available to the teams in England’s top flight.
But is all this spending a good thing?
Leicester City are about to find out, as they have smashed their transfer record for the second time this summer with the signing of Islam Slimani from Sporting Lisbon.
But will he fit in with the Foxes?
The Algerian Vardy
Some are calling Slimani the Algerian Vardy. He is quick strong and has peaked slightly later in his career.
Theoretically, he should fit right in with Leicester’s style of play.
He is also coming in terrific form having banged in 31 goals across all competitions last season. It could turn out to be a great bit of business by Leicester, who undoubtedly have needed to boost their squad depth.
But most importantly, he looks like a Leicester type player.
So how will he fit in?
Predominately Slimani is known for being a speedster.
All but three of his goals came from inside the 18-yard box last season, showing just what a predatory number nine he really is.
Alongside the likes of Okazaki and Vardy, Leicester will have some variety and competition for places up front.
Slimani is also the versatile kind of player that Claudio Ranieri loves, he has the ability to play right across the front three.
However, because the Foxes have such a settled side, it will be difficult to knock Vardy off his perch.
At the moment the only way you can see Slimani starting is if Vardy is insured — let’s hope his legs are insured.
Good value for money
With this in mind though Slimani could find himself as a very expensive substitute. But does a fee of around £29 million represent good value for money?
Yes, he is coming in off the end of a very good season, but the striker has only been in Europe for four years, in terms of European experience, he is slightly lacking.
Goals have always come very naturally to Slimani, who averages a goal every 2.3 games.
However, 46 of his goals did come during the forward’s time in Africa. Leicester also need a player who can come in and hit the ground running.
Needs time to settle in
History would suggest it takes the Algerian a bit of time to settle in.
His stats for Sporting have grown year on year, first bagging 10, 15 and then 31 goals for the Portuguese side.
Written by Edward Wade
Follow Edward on Twitter @wade_edward
Like O-Posts on Facebook
You can also follow O-Posts on Twitter @OPosts