Exclusive: Leicester City told to take Harry Winks U-turn in "obvious" move for Marti Cifuentes | OneFootball

Martí Cifuentes has been told to utilise the midfielder

Leicester City recently appointed Martí Cifuentes as manager, deeming he was the correct profile to lead them forward in the Championship next term.

The 43-year-old took charge of QPR last season and was highly commended for his style of play, which caught the Foxes’ attention.

Harry Winks was a key cog in Leicester’s midfield when they clinched the Championship title in 2024 but fell out of favour with Ruud van Nistelrooy last year, after reportedly refusing to stay at the training ground one night a week after his partner gave birth.

This led to the 29-year-old being dropped from the first-team squad at the King Power Stadium, making his last appearance for the Foxes in March.

However, with the Dutchman now gone, Winks could return to the Leicester City fold once more.

Speaking exclusively to Football League World, Sky Sports pundit and former EFL striker, Don Goodman, believes that the ex-Tottenham Hotspur midfielder would be a valuable asset for Cifuentes and Co. next term.

Don Goodman backs Harry Winks to make Leicester City comeback under Martí Cifuentes

"For players who have been out of the first team picture, a new manager always equals a new start," stated Goodman.

"Harry Winks is one of those, after he had that public falling out with the last manager at Leicester.

"I think the last time he featured in a game was in March. It’s been a while.

"So, when I recall his influence in that team winning the Championship a couple of seasons ago and getting promoted, it would be obvious that Martí Cifuentes could utilise him.

"Therefore, he could be a massive influence for Leicester City in the upcoming Championship campaign."

Harry Winks would still be one of the Championship’s best midfielders

Although Winks’ influence on the Leicester City side dwindled under van Nistelrooy, his ability to dictate midfield battles in the Championship can’t be forgotten.

The midfielder made 45 appearances for the Foxes when they clinched the Championship title in 2023/24, playing an instrumental role in Enzo Maresca's system that campaign.

A Champions League final starter, Winks made over 200 appearances for Tottenham Hotspur over eight years in North London.

Players with these credentials aren’t often found in the second-tier, which makes it all the more important that Cifuentes reintegrates the 29-year-old back into his midfield.

It would be almost impossible to recruit an operator with the same expertise as Winks for a sensible price, which means that keeping him at the King Power makes sense for all parties.

If Winks is happy to remain at Leicester, Cifuentes must build his midfield around the former England international to have the best chance at a promotion shot.