Leicester City is reportedly facing a challenge to keep winger Stephy Mavididi, as clubs from across Europe, including Spain and Italy, are showing interest following the Foxes’ relegation from the Premier League.
The club is now preparing for life back in the Championship after a difficult campaign that saw them finish in the bottom three.
Journalist Pete O’Rourke has indicated that teams in England, Italy, and Spain are keen on acquiring the 27-year-old attacker. Specifically, Atalanta and Bologna from Serie A, and Villarreal from La Liga, are among the clubs reportedly ready to make a move for Mavididi.
Mavididi played a significant role in Leicester’s previous promotion season under Enzo Maresca, where he made 46 Championship appearances, scoring 12 goals and providing 6 assists in the 2023/24 season. While he, like many of his teammates, found the Premier League challenging, he emerged as one of their more effective players and a primary attacking threat before a muscle injury cut his 2024/25 season short in April, where he had 4 goals and 1 assist in 30 Premier League appearances(Transfermarkt).
Given his past contributions in the Championship and his ability to play at a higher level than the second tier, Mavididi’s departure would represent a significant loss for Leicester. The club’s leadership will need to have clear plans for his potential replacement should he leave.
Leicester City is currently navigating a period of considerable uncertainty. The future of manager Ruud van Nistelrooy remains undecided, and the club is facing the threat of a points deduction for alleged breaches of Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR). Reports indicate that Leicester was charged by the Premier League for alleged breaches of EFL’s financial rules for the 2023/24 season, and a points deduction could be applied to their 2025/26 Championship campaign. Additionally, some player sales will likely be necessary to manage the club’s finances.
Stephy Mavididi signed a five-year contract with Leicester City in July 2023, meaning his current deal runs until June 2028. Despite the looming major decisions and the confirmed relegation having occurred some time ago, the club’s ability to retain Mavididi will be crucial. If he remains at the King Power Stadium, he is expected to be a major asset for their Championship campaign.
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