Leicester City Set to Strengthen Ranks with Midfield Duo

Leicester City Set to Strengthen Ranks with Midfield Duo

Leicester City are reportedly closing in on signing Manchester City academy product Divine Mukasa and Southampton midfielder Joe Aribo on deadline day. The Foxes are close to finalizing a deal with Newcastle United defender Jamaal Lascelles, and it looks as though he will be followed through the door by the midfield pair. The Championship side recently parted ways with Marti Cifuentes and have looked a shadow of their old selves in this campaign. According to Rob Dorsett, the club is looking for fresh faces in the hopes of changing their fortunes around, as we can expect a very busy deadline day in Leicestershire.

Youth and Experience

18-year-old Mukasa will be seeking consistent minutes in senior football, having featured six times under Pep Guardiola in all competitions. He has been a regular figure on the Manchester City bench this season, having proven his worth at the academy level, including a hat trick against Bayer Leverkusen U19 in the UEFA Youth League. Guardiola has spoken highly of the youngster ahead of his expected move.

Pep Guardiola on new Leicester loan signing Divine Mukasa 🗣️#lcfc pic.twitter.com/KGGFeT3SrR

— Blue Tinted Glasses (@BlueTintedLCFC) February 1, 2026

The academy product will join the Foxes on a loan deal, and he is expected to sign a new contract with the Citizens in alignment with this move. Leicester has shown great faith in their youth prospects already this season, including 17-year-old Louis Page, who has been a regular starter in midfield.

Leicester is also set to complete a permanent deal for 29-year-old Aribo from league rivals Southampton. The midfielder has failed to solidify his place in the Saints' midfield, featuring just seven times this season and each of these appearances being stints off the bench. Southampton fans do not hold the midfielder in high regard ,and it seems like a move away is in the best interest of both parties.

The Nigerian brings a wealth of experience, having been a standout performer for Southampton in their promotion season and Premier League stint, as well as having a successful tenure in Scotland with Rangers. Aribo adds both solidity in midfield and a notable goal threat, both areas of weakness in the Leicester City side this season. His experience will be valuable in a side that has been heavily reliant on their youth products, adding to a strong midfield area that includes the likes of Harry Winks and Hamza Choudhury in his place.