Leicester City completed the permanent signing of Liam Cullen from Swansea City for an undisclosed fee, reuniting the Wales international with manager Russell Martin. Cullen arrives at the King Power Stadium to bolster Leicester’s aggressive attacking press and rebuild their squad.
Russell Martin is demanding relentless energy off the ball in LE2. Cullen fits the high-tempo system perfectly, bringing a tireless engine that frees up attackers around him. Dropping into League One ended his spell at his boyhood club, but re-joining his former manager made complete sense. WalesOnline’s Tom Coleman pointed out: “The style under Russ won’t come as a shock. I think if anything, him being there was probably a big factor in him choosing this move. That and the fact Leicester remain a massive club, particularly at this level.”
Cullen offers crucial tactical versatility across the frontline, though his exact position under Martin remains a tactical puzzle. Coleman said: “I’d be interested to see where Russ plays him. Cullen spent most of Martin’s first season out on loan, but was used more regularly in the second season. He was largely deployed out wide or up front under him, but I’d be surprised if that was his primary role this time round.”
The Foxes are still hunting a frontline No. 9 after adding Conor Chaplin and Tommy Watson to the squad. While Cullen missed two big chances against Genoa in pre-season, his pressing off the ball remains his deadliest asset. Yet, questions persist regarding his killer instinct in front of goal. Coleman explained: “I think the main criticism has been that he hasn’t necessarily always displayed the predatory instinct needed to be a striker starting games regularly. That said, given the chance, he is actually a very good finisher. Decent in the air too.”
With pre-season wrapping up, Leicester’s squad overhaul is gathering serious speed. Cullen must convert his selfless leg-work into tangible numbers if Leicester are to dominate their rivals. Coleman concluded: “I think his areas of improvement will largely depend on what sort of role he plays. If he’s been signed as a striker or No.10 then he clearly needs to add more goal contributions to his game.”
