Leicester City refuse to offer ‘substantial reduction’ on transfer fee

Boubakary Soumaré has impressed for Sevilla since joining them on a loan deal from Leicester City last summer.

The midfielder has made 23 appearances this season and has gained more prominence since Quique Sánchez Flores took charge of the club last December.

Earlier this month, the Leicester owned player admitted he’s not clear where his future lies after this season.

The loan deal includes a purchase option and Friday’s edition of ABC Sevilla provides the La Liga side’s plan for the 25-year-old.

The Frenchman is happy at the Andalusian club and would be happy to continue there. At the same time, he ‘wouldn’t put excessive obstacles’ in front of a return to Leicester, where his deal lasts until 2026. As of now, he doesn’t want to rule out any possibility.

ABC Sevilla state the Leicester man’s purchase option is set at €15m, which the Spanish club wouldn’t be able to pay due to their economic conditions. Earlier reports have put the amount at €16m, so it’s somewhere around that level.

It’s claimed Sevilla will open negotiations with the Foxes, to obtain a ‘substantial reduction’, which Enzo Maresca’s side aren’t willing to offer.

In addition to lowering the asking price, Sevilla also have to convince Soumaré to take a pay cut. He currently earns €5m gross per year, which will be difficult for them to match.

To sum it up, Sevilla have a complex task to retain Soumaré.

Therefore, he hasn’t ruled out the possibility of returning to Leicester in the summer.