Leicester City have secured a significant transfer coup by reaching a full agreement to sign Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Oliver Skipp.
The 23-year-old is set to undergo a medical on Sunday, signaling the final stages of his move to the King Power Stadium. Sources have confirmed that personal terms have been agreed upon, paving the way for Skipp to join Leicester, who are eager to bolster their squad after securing promotion to the Premier League.
The transfer fee for Skipp is expected to be around £20 million, with potential add-ons that could further increase the deal’s value. Despite being under contract with Tottenham until 2027, the midfielder has been deemed surplus to requirements by Spurs’ head coach Ange Postecoglou. The decision to let Skipp go is part of Tottenham’s broader strategy to revamp their squad, with reports suggesting that the club is already plotting a £20 million move for Juventus midfielder Manuel Locatelli, who could serve as Skipp’s direct replacement.
For Leicester City, Skipp’s arrival represents a crucial acquisition of Premier League experience. The Foxes had been in competition with Ipswich Town to secure Skipp’s services but ultimately emerged victorious in the race. Skipp made 24 appearances for Tottenham last season, although he struggled to secure a regular starting role. Moving to Leicester offers the young midfielder an opportunity to establish himself as a key player in a team looking to solidify its place in the Premier League.
Leicester’s need for a player of Skipp’s profile became increasingly urgent following the departure of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. The Foxes have been actively searching for a midfielder with Premier League experience who can slot seamlessly into Steve Cooper’s team. Skipp fits that bill perfectly, having already racked up 77 appearances in England’s top flight. His experience and ability to operate in various midfield roles make him a versatile addition to the squad, capable of contributing both defensively and in transitioning play.
Leicester’s move for Skipp is also a statement of intent as they prepare for life back in the Premier League. The club has been proactive in the transfer market, looking to strengthen key areas of the squad to ensure they are competitive at the highest level. Skipp’s arrival is just one part of this strategy, as the Foxes have also been linked with other high-profile targets.
One such target is Wilfried Zaha, the former Crystal Palace winger currently plying his trade with Galatasaray. Leicester is reportedly battling Crystal Palace for Zaha’s signature, with the Turkish club demanding a multi-million-pound loan fee and full coverage of Zaha’s wages for any deal to go through. Should Leicester manage to secure Zaha’s services, it would be another significant boost to their attacking options.
The addition of Skipp and potentially Zaha would signal Leicester’s ambition to not just survive but thrive in the Premier League. Both players bring valuable experience and quality to the squad, which could prove vital in a league where margins are often razor-thin. For Skipp, this move represents a fresh start and a chance to fulfill the potential that saw him touted as one of Tottenham’s most promising academy graduates.
Skipp’s departure from Tottenham marks the end of a chapter that began with high hopes when he broke into the first team in 2018. Despite flashes of brilliance and a successful loan spell at Norwich City during the 2020/21 season, where he played a key role in their promotion to the Premier League, Skipp struggled to establish himself as a regular starter at Spurs. With Tottenham now looking to the future under Postecoglou, the club has decided to part ways with the midfielder to make room for new additions.
As Skipp prepares to don the Leicester City jersey, both he and the club will be hoping that this move can be the catalyst for a successful Premier League campaign. For Leicester, the acquisition of Skipp is a calculated risk, but one that could pay off handsomely if the midfielder can rediscover the form that made him a standout talent during his time in the Championship.
The next few weeks will be crucial as Leicester continues to shape their squad ahead of the new season. With Skipp now on board and the potential addition of other key players like Zaha, the Foxes are making it clear that they intend to be a force to be reckoned with in the Premier League. Skipp, for his part, will be eager to prove his worth and help Leicester achieve their ambitions as they embark on this new chapter in their history.
