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The Premier League transfer deadline came and went with only half of the outgoings we were expecting. It looks like Islam Slimani will be sticking around this season, but Leicester City have announced that three more players left on loan on Friday.
Matty James to Barnsley
Matty James is heading back to Barnsley on loan. The 29-year-old is returning from injury and is set for his second loan spell at Oakwell after playing 18 games for #BFC during the 2016-17 season following his return from a knee injury. #LCFC
— Rob Tanner (@RobTannerLCFC) October 16, 2020
This tweet from Rob Tanner, which mentions 18 appearances and two serious injuries, pretty much sums it up.
Best of luck to Matty. He’s a good player and hopefully can get past these injuries at some point, but it’s hard to imagine him doing that in the Premier League now.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall to Luton Town
This is definitely the best news of the bunch. The former Development Squad Player of the Year is headed out to the team who already did all the heavy lifting of developing James Justin for us.
He’s also signed a four year contract, which is very positive news for a player who has really impressed Brendan Rodgers recently.
New deal
— Leicester City (@LCFC) October 16, 2020
Loan move ➡️
Best of luck at Luton, Kiernan!
It did look like the youngster might have a chance around the first team, especially with a real lack of depth in central midfield, but this should be a great opportunity nonetheless.
Last season he went to Blackpool in League One, so this is definitely another step up for him, and hopefully he’ll keep progressing.
Filip Benkovic to Cardiff City
In their final move of the summer, the Foxes sent Filip Benkovic out to Cardiff City in the Championship. Again, this is technically a step up from last season, when he went to Bristol City, who finished well behind the Bluebirds.
It’s hard to see it as genuine progression though, even at 23, which is still pretty young for a CB.
Filip Benković is a #Bluebird!
— Cardiff City FC (@CardiffCityFC) October 16, 2020
➡️https://t.co/cq5vqHoosX#CityAsOne pic.twitter.com/i8f4qRkwY0
Last season we had a real shortage of defenders in January and decided to bring in Ryan Bennett rather than giving the young Croatian a chance.
10 months later and the Foxes have just one fit centre back, but are choosing again to let Benkovic develop elsewhere for a while longer. It doesn’t feel like a positive sign for his Leicester City career.
Hopefully he can stay fit and put in a full season. At that level, we know he can be excellent player if he does, Either way, we’ll know a lot more about his future next summer.