Leicester City could make a move for Alaves winger Ibai Gomez as reported by the spanish newspaper AS.
In 16 appearances across all competitions this season, the 29-year old has scored three goals and assisted two to help his side to fifth place in La Liga – just two points behind Real Madrid and seven behind league leaders FC Barcelona.
AS report that Leeds United and Athletic Bilbao – Gomez’s former club – could be interested in signing the Spaniard as well, so there’s no shortage of competition for Leicester. Needless to say that Bilbao will certainly have a little advantage in this race of sorts for obvious reasons.
After signing for the Los Leones in 2010 as a 21-year old, Gomez went on to make 145 appearances, scoring 17 goals and assisting 23 as well. In 2016, however, he terminated his contract at the club before signing a three-year deal with Alaves, which will expire next summer.
What it means is that Alaves aren’t in a very strong position to negotiate, and they are therefore willing to sell Gomez for €4 million despite his €10 million release clause. In today’s market, it is without a doubt an incredibly low price. Lionel Messi is paid more than that in seven months.
However, the deal being nice and cheap doesn’t mean it’s a good one. Leicester do need a forward, yes, but they need someone who’s world-class. Leicester don’t need another player who can barely get to seven goals in a season.