Transfer Centre

What is Leicester City's top priority for the summer transfer window?

By Jonathan O'Shea | 13 June 2023

Ahead of the summer transfer window opening on Wednesday, Sports Mole looks at the priority for Leicester City in the transfer market over the next few months.

After nine consecutive years in the Premier League, it is certainly a case of 'all change' at the King Power this summer, as numerous issues must be resolved by owner Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha and his managerial team.

With at least one season in the Championship to come, there will be a big reset: James Maddison has surely played his last game for Leicester City and represents one of two major assets who can be sold to raise funds - youth product Harvey Barnes should also fetch a substantial fee.

After an underwhelming campaign, Youri Tielemans will see out his contract and is one of several men due to become free agents in the coming days. Saving on such substantial wages will aid City's bid to recruit players for a promotion push in 2023-24.

Problems in that department, though, must quickly be resolved, as a lack of signings last summer - plus replacing Wesley Fofana with Wout Faes, who proved an inadequate cut-price replacement - cost the Foxes dearly.

Burnley have modelled how it should be done, but there will be stiff competition for a top-two place in the second tier and few teams now bounce back at the first time of asking. Crucially, like Vincent Kompany's arrival at Turf Moor, finding the right man to occupy the dugout is essential.

Interim boss Dean Smith could yet depart but boasts experience of getting a big club back into the big-time at Aston Villa; however, his reputation has taken a hit from successive relegations and fans may prefer a fresh start.

There are many other contenders to be found, as managing Leicester City still remains an attractive proposition to coaches at home and abroad, but an appointment must be made sooner rather than later.