Leicester City target £13m transfer swoop for Metz star Idrissa Gueye - Foxes face EFL roadblock | OneFootball

The Foxes are keen to sign 18 year old Idrissa Gueye from Metz.

Leicester City have set their sights on a potential £13m move for 18-year-old Metz striker Idrissa Gueye, but face an impasse with their EFL fee restrictions.

That's according to journalist Alan Nixon, writing on his Patreon on Sunday morning.

The Foxes are keen to bring in the Senegalese international, who has been identified as a long term attacking option following the departure of Jamie Vardy.

However, Leicester are currently prohibited from paying transfer fees due to the EFL’s punishment for breaching profit and sustainability rules.

They are nonetheless determined to push for a deal for Gueye, who is seen as a long-term strike option.

Leicester City’s loan and transfer plans under EFL scrutiny as Idrissa Gueye deal plotted

According to Nixon, Leicester’s proposal to subvert restrictions is to take the young Senegalese international on loan for the coming season, with a guaranteed obligation to buy him outright for around £13m next summer.

Such an arrangement would provide Metz with financial assurances while allowing Leicester to delay payment until their situation improves.

That plan, however, will require explicit approval from the EFL before any agreement can go ahead.

Metz are thought to be open to selling their teenage prospect if a fee is guaranteed, whether through an initial loan payment or a permanent transfer.

The governing body has taken a hard line with Leicester following their breaches of financial regulations and is expected to scrutinise the deal closely.

Any agreement would have to satisfy the authorities that it complies fully with the rules.

The Foxes are desperate to add firepower to their squad after Jamie Vardy’s exit brought an end to his 13-year stay at the King Power Stadium, whilst it took an Abdul Fatawu screamer to break the deadlock and hand Cifuentes' side three points over Charlton on Saturday.

Idrissa Gueye’s rapid rise with promoted Metz and Senegal’s national team - he could be future Foxes star

Gueye has enjoyed a meteoric rise over the past two seasons.

Born in September 2006, he began his professional career with Génération Foot in his native Senegal, winning the domestic title in 2022-23 before moving to Metz in January of this year.

He quickly established himself in the French Ligue 2, scoring six goals and providing one assist in 18 appearances, as per FotMob, and helping Metz secure promotion back to the top flight.

The teenager has also broken through internationally. He made his senior debut for Senegal in 2023 and was named Ligue 2 Young Player of the Month earlier this year.

He was also part of Senegal’s squad during their emphatic 3-1 win over England in June, as an unused substitute.

Therefore, Leicester supporters will recognise the parallels with Jamie Vardy’s own unlikely journey to the top.