As expected, Chelsea have sent Italy Under-21 talent Cesare Casadei to Leicester City on loan, despite interest from Genoa and Lazio. ‘I’m excited and can’t wait to get started.’
The 20-year-old was named Player of the Tournament and top scorer in the Under-20 World Cup over the summer, which saw Italy reach the Final.
He also has two caps for the Azzurri at Under-21 level and is tipped for a future call-up to the senior squad.
“I feel really good. I’m really happy to be here, I’m excited and I can’t wait to get started,” Casadei told LCFC.com.
“Obviously, Leicester is a big team so I’m here to win and to do as well as possible to fight and to work hard for this team.”
A product of the Inter youth academy, Casadei was sold to Chelsea in 2022 for €15m plus another €5m in add-ons.
After a loan spell at Reading, he returns to the Championship – the English version of Serie B – for Leicester City.
There had been interest from Genoa and Lazio, but largely after the basic agreement was reached between the Foxes and Chelsea.
The presence of Italian coach Enzo Maresca was considered decisive in this move.
I don’t see it with this guy. He lacks finesse and touch, very slow etc. Imagine a nicola berti without the athletic ability(which was his calling card) but a better shot. He does get into the box well but he has serious limitations. He’s too flat footed.