Leicester City Target Luis Henrique Addresses Transfer Rumours Ahead of Potential Summer Move
By Mitch Wilks
Botafogo forward Luis Henrique has acknowledged interest from Leicester City and other European clubs regarding a summer transfer, after it was previously reported that he had been scouted by the Foxes.
The 18-year-old Brazilian has garnered interest from a number of clubs in Europe, which has prompted Leicester to keep a close eye on him as the transfer window edges closer to opening.
The interest comes after reports from Brazilian press claimed that Leicester had been scouting Henrique, but it is believed that the youngster has just signed a new deal that sees his release clause set to £26m, according to GloboEsporte.
The report also notes that while there is interest in Henrique, who operates as both a winger and a centre-forward, there have been no offers made to Botafogo for his services as of yet.
Speaking to the Brazilian news outlet, Henrique addressed his immediate future: "It makes me happy and much more motivated to dedicate myself to Botafogo".
He also discussed his market valuation, calling it a "good thing" but was adamant he wasn't distracted by the speculation.
“If there was an approach I don’t know, this is with my agents. They always tell me to take care on the pitch and they’ll do it off. I believe that when I have a proposal, they will talk to me.”
Henrique made his debut for Botafogo in 2019, but has enjoyed a full breakthrough to the first team in the 2020 season, making 10 starts for the Brazilian side before the COVID-19 pandemic halted play.
A transfer to Leicester would see Luis Henrique become their first ever Brazilian player, providing competition in attack for Brendan Rodgers' impressive Foxes side who currently sit third in the Premier League.
With star man James Maddison persistently linked with a move away from the club and Jamie Vardy being Leicester's only genuine goal threat going forward, Henrique would provide quality and depth to the Rodgers' side.