Skip to main content

Agent of Leicester Star Hits Out at Club for 'Disrespect' in Attempts to Offload Him This Summer

  • Author:
  • Publish date:

Nampalys Mendy's agent has hit out at Leicester City for showing a 'great deal' of disrespect to his client by trying to force him out of the club this summer. 

Mendy joined Leicester from French side Nice on a four-year deal last year for a reported fee of £13m. However, the Frenchman has struggled to make an impression at King Power Stadium after suffering an ankle injury earlier in the season, making just ten appearances in all competitions last term.

While Mendy's disappointing form and fitness levels seem to be valid reasons for Leicester to sell the player, the 25-year-old's agent Yacine Ayad feels differently.

"It's a great lack of respect towards the player and the man to want to sell him," Ayad told L'Equipe. "Leicester want a transfer, but right now, that's not going to happen. If the club don't take the decision to loan him out so that he gets back the rhythm, the fun, the feelings, and can exploit his full potential again, it's clear he'll stay at Leicester.

"From our side, we don't understand that Leicester are looking to sell a player they bought for €16m and who was injured during a league game. It's incomprehensible. Leicester have seven midfielders for two positions, so it's preferable for everyone that Papy goes out on loan so that he can show the full extent of his talent again."

5971fb7f7a281d6789000014.jpg

The opportunity of working with Bordeaux boss Jocelyn Gourvennec seems to be especially attractive to Mendy and his advisor.

"With regard to Nantes, we have been clear and honest since the start: we won't go there," Ayad said. "So we're talking to the other clubs. At St Etienne, we don't know the new coach, but we know the club's history and what it represents. 

"At Nice, the club and the fans know Papy very well, because he played there for three seasons. And how can you turn down Bordeaux, currently coached by the best French coach in Ligue 1? The ball is now in Leicester's court. We're talking football. We're only interested in football. Papy only has one desire: to enjoy it again and flourish."