leicester city sign oliver skipp

Zain Kabani

Leicester City Close £20M Deal for Tottenham’s Oliver Skipp Ahead of Premier League Opener

Leicester City Sign Oliver Skipp

Leicester City have secured a deal to sign Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Oliver Skipp for a fee reported to be over £20 million. The 23-year-old, who came through Tottenham’s academy, is set to undergo a medical on Sunday before finalizing the transfer to the King Power Stadium.

Skipp, who made his first-team debut for Spurs in 2018, struggled for regular game time last season under manager Ange Postecoglou, making just 24 appearances, mostly as a substitute. The move to Leicester offers him a fresh start and the opportunity for more consistent playing time.

The deal, seen as mutually beneficial, marks a significant step in Leicester’s efforts to strengthen their squad ahead of their return to the Premier League. Skipp will reunite with former Spurs teammate Harry Winks at Leicester, though he will not be available for their opening match against Tottenham on Monday.

Player Background: Oliver Skipp

Oliver Skipp, a 23-year-old midfielder, is a homegrown talent from Tottenham Hotspur’s academy. Since making his first-team debut in 2018, Skipp has accumulated 106 appearances for the club. His standout period came during the 2020/21 season when he was loaned to Norwich City, where he played 47 games and played a crucial role in their Championship-winning campaign.

Despite his early promise, Skipp found opportunities limited at Tottenham last season under new manager Ange Postecoglou. He made 24 appearances across all competitions but was predominantly used as a substitute, starting only seven Premier League matches.

This lack of consistent playing time led to his decision to seek regular football elsewhere, ultimately resulting in his move to Leicester City. Skipp’s departure marks the end of his journey at Spurs, where he developed from an academy prospect to a senior squad member.

Leicester City Squad Integration

Oliver Skipp’s arrival at Leicester City will see him reunite with former Tottenham teammate Harry Winks, who joined the Foxes last summer. This transfer is a key part of Leicester’s strategy to bolster their squad as they prepare for their return to the Premier League under new manager Steve Cooper.

The addition of Skipp will bring valuable Premier League experience and depth to Leicester’s midfield, complementing their summer recruitment efforts. With Skipp becoming Leicester’s seventh signing of the transfer window, the club is focused on building a strong team capable of competing at the highest level.

His presence alongside Winks in midfield is expected to enhance the team’s balance and provide a solid foundation for the upcoming season.

Immediate Impact

Oliver Skipp will not be available for Leicester’s Premier League opener against Tottenham on Monday, as he won’t be registered in time. However, his arrival is highly anticipated, with expectations that he will bring valuable Premier League experience and leadership qualities to Leicester’s midfield.

Tottenham’s Perspective

Tottenham views Skipp’s transfer as a financially sound decision, especially under the new financial fair play regulations. The club has already strengthened its midfield by signing Archie Gray from Leeds and Lucas Bergvall. Additionally, Tottenham has invested in youth by signing Wilson Odobert, a promising young talent, as a strategic move to secure future success.

Leicester City’s Transfer Strategy

Skipp’s signing comes on the heels of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s departure to Chelsea, highlighting Leicester’s intent to build a solid midfield foundation. With Skipp and Harry Winks at the core, Leicester is focused on assembling a team ready to compete in the Premier League.

Meanwhile, Tottenham is managing squad discipline as they recently suspended Yves Bissouma for the season opener due to an off-field controversy.