Leicester Boss Claude Puel insists Papy Mendy still has a future with the Foxes
The French midfielder was signed as the Foxes club-record signing for £13 million in the summer of 2016, but has since been loaned out to Nice in Ligue 1 after enduring a disappointing first season at the Kingpower
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LEICESTER midfielder Papy Mendy still has a future at the Premier League club, according to boss Claude Puel.
Mendy is currently on loan with French side Nice, and the Ligue 1 club have an option to buy the Frenchman once his season-long loan has expired.
The 25-year-old only joined City from the French club last summer in a £13 million deal but an ankle injury picked up on his debut against Arsenal hampered him throughout the season and only made nine appearances for City.
Despite being farmed out to Nice on deadline day, Puel has said that Mendy can be "an important player" for Leicester.
Puel told Leicester Mercury: "For him it’s important to play often because of injuries.
“If he comes back at a good level, he can be an important player."
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Mendy first caught Leicester's attention during his time at Nice, where he used to play under Puel before joining the Foxes.
The French coach, who was axed by Southampton last season, was only appointed the Leicester boss on Wednesday.
Speaking about his appointment, Puel said: “It’s a great privilege to become the new manager of Leicester City – a club whose values and ambitions are closely aligned to my own.
"The opportunity to help the club build on its remarkable recent achievements is a truly exciting one and I’m looking forward to working with the owners, players, staff and supporters to deliver further lasting success.”