Leicester City is preparing for a summer characterized by significant changes, including financial implications, an unresolved managerial future, and the anticipated departure of several players. Notably, Jamie Vardy’s exit marks the first time in 13 years that a new striker will lead the Foxes’ attack.
The club’s financial situation is precarious, with Leicester potentially facing a points deduction following alleged breaches of profit and sustainability rules. The future of manager Ruud van Nistelrooy also remains undecided as the start of the Championship season approaches. Despite anticipated financial constraints, a substantial squad rebuild and new additions are expected.
Based on these considerations, here is a potential starting XI for Leicester City’s first match of the upcoming Championship season in August:
Leicester’s Possible Starting XI for 2025/26 Championship Season
- Goalkeeper: Jakub Stolarczyk
It is widely expected that first-choice goalkeeper Mads Hermansen will depart this summer following his impressive Premier League debut season. Jakub Stolarczyk, whose new contract at Leicester rejected a bid from Norwich City, is projected to become the new number one, having demonstrated his reliability. - Right-back: James Justin
After a challenging Premier League season, James Justin, a key figure in the club’s previous Championship title win, is likely to see out his contract, which expires in summer 2026, before potentially leaving on a free transfer. With hints of Ricardo Pereira’s possible departure and Woyo Coulibaly seemingly out of contention, Justin is expected to feature. Youngster Olabade Aluko is considered more likely to continue development with the Under-21s. - Centre-back: Caleb Okoli
Caleb Okoli experienced intermittent starts in his first season. While not consistently flawless, he was noted as one of the team’s better performers. Having had time to adapt to English football, he is anticipated to be a more confident player and a capable defender in the Championship. - Centre-back: Ben Nelson
Ben Nelson’s loan spell at Oxford United was highly successful, establishing him as one of Leicester’s promising young talents. Having gained valuable development experience, he is now considered ready to integrate into the first-team backline, forming a core part of a squad built on the club’s academy foundations, with potential as a future captain. - Left-back: Luke Thomas
Despite previous uninspiring loan spells at Sheffield United and Middlesbrough, Luke Thomas delivered solid performances at left-back in the latter part of the last season. With Danish media suggesting Victor Kristiansen’s departure from Leicester, Thomas’s inclusion appears logical. - Midfielder: Oliver Skipp
Oliver Skipp’s loan spell during Leicester’s Premier League season was underwhelming, with observations suggesting he was below the required standard. However, a return to the Championship presents an opportunity for him to regain form and demonstrate his abilities. With several central midfielders expected to leave, Skipp could secure a starting position and make a significant impact with more time on the ball against Championship opposition. - Midfielder: Sammy Braybrooke
Given that Wilfred Ndidi, Harry Winks, and Boubakary Soumare are unlikely to remain at the club next summer, options in central midfield will be limited. Sammy Braybrooke, a notable leader at youth level for Leicester, is considered ready for a first-team opportunity. While Hamza Choudhury is an option, his departure is also possible, and Oxford’s Cameron Brannagan is on Leicester’s radar, though his potential arrival is uncertain. - Right Wing: Stephy Mavididi
Stephy Mavididi previously scored prolifically for Leicester in the Championship and formed an effective partnership with Abdul Fatawu. He displayed bright performances in the concluding weeks of the Premier League season and is expected to maintain consistency in the Championship to help the Foxes pursue promotion. - Left Wing: Abdul Fatawu
Abdul Fatawu is anticipated to return to the Leicester squad next season. The young winger missed the majority of last season due to injury, but his presence is believed to have made a difference. Having previously demonstrated his ability to be difficult to contain in the Championship, he is expected to have a similar impact. - Attacking Midfield/Forward: Will Alves
Will Alves, who recovered from an ACL injury, gained valuable experience in regular men’s football during Cardiff City’s season that ended in League One relegation. As one of Leicester’s youngest-ever debutants, he is expected to fill the void likely left by Bilal El Khannouss’s probable departure. - Striker: Jake Evans
With Jamie Vardy’s departure, the role of leading the attack is vacant. While a new striker is certainly needed and expected to be acquired, Jake Evans, a young academy product, may be tasked with leading the line if a new number nine has not arrived in time for the start of the season.
In other news, A major hint about Leicester City manager Ruud van Nistelrooy’s future may have just dropped.
