leicester city

Luke Thomas’s confirmed return to Leicester City

Published

8 months ago

January 15, 2024

Enzo Maresca has a decision to make over the future of Luke Thomas following the defender’s early return to Leicester City.

Sheffield United announced on Friday that the full-back would return to the King Power Stadium following a ‘mutual termination’ of the loan agreement that took him to Bramall Lane in August. He had been on a season-long loan with the Blades, but struggled to make an impact in the club’s fight against relegation before losing his place under new manager 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 return, earlier than expected, will free up a loan space for the Blades, who have been linked with an interest in City goalkeeper Danny Ward. The Premier League club are said to be keen to take him on loan , but City would prefer a permanent deal. However, they could settle for a loan with a buy clause at the end of the season included in the agreement.

Allowing Thomas to return to City could potentially help them get the deal done. Maresca has spoken openly about the need to sell before buying this month, with City keen to do a deal for Inter’s Stefano Sensi.

City could also opt to sell Thomas this month to raise funds for potential incomings. Leeds were one of the clubs heavily linked in the summer, but whether they reignite their interest remains to be seen.

Another option could be to loan the full-back out again, potentially with an option to buy included at the end of any deal. That wouldn’t bring in instant money, but would free up wages. And if the permanent deal was mandatory, then the promise of money in the summer may allow City to move in the market.

The third option for Maresca would be to keep Thomas and reintegrate him into the squad. One area where City could have been looking to strengthen this window is the left-back/left centre-back role. The City Academy graduate could potentially provide cover in case of injuries to Callum Doyle or James Justin.-

However, given that Maresca has already sent Thomas out on loan once during his time as City boss, that is probably the most unlikely outcome of the three.