‘I’d be amazed if Fofana didn’t beat Maguire’s record transfer fee’

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 19 May 2021 14:39 BST
• 2 min read

Wesley Fofana has been tipped to become the most expensive defender of all time by Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp.

Speaking after Leicester’s 2-0 win over Chelsea on Tuesday, which carried them to the top of the Premier League, Redknapp admitted that he is awestruck by the former Saint-Etienne man’s quality.

Indeed, he tipped the 20-year-old to one day break the £80 million fee that Manchester United paid Leicester to sign Harry Maguire.

“Harry Maguire was the most expensive defender. I’d be amazed if Fofana doesn’t break that record in a few years, he’s that good,” Redknapp told Sky Sports.

“Leicester fans won’t want to hear it because they want to keep him.

“We’ve had some brilliant defenders, Rio Ferdinand, Vincent Kompany. Virgil van Dijk is the number one now when he’s fit again.

“But this young man is going to be the best in a few years, the best in Europe. He’s so assured, so confident, so commanding. I’m a massive fan.”

Fofana will get ‘bigger and stronger’

Fofana has played 14 matches for the Foxes in the Premier League but has already convinced with his quality.

“We’ve seen a lot of great Premier League defenders in our time. He’s 20 and I don’t think I’ve seen a progression in a young player quite as much as this,” Redknapp said.

“Fofana is so calm, so assured, he plays with an awareness and ability that belies his tender age.

“He’s got plenty of growth in him so he’s going to get bigger and stronger and more confident.

“Jonny Evans alongside him is the perfect foil. They’re a lovely partnership.”

Leicester signed Fofana for a fee believed to be around the £31.5 million mark in the summer.

Prior to moving to Leicester, Fofana had turned out 30 times for Saint-Etienne and had scored a couple of goals for the Ligue 1 club.