The Leicester City Story 2024/25: What’s Next for the Foxes?

The Big Question: Will Ruud Stay or Go?

Ruud van Nistelrooy was a popular appointment among the Leicester faithful in December 2024, but his record in the dugout has been nothing short of disastrous.

At the end of April, the man himself admitted that he wasn’t sure if he would be in his role next season, and it’s still unclear whether Leicester’s hierarchy sees the Dutchman as the man to lead the club to the English Championship title next year.

While still popular with some fans, the Dutchman has only managed four wins in his 24 league games, losing 13 and conceding 50 goals.

He has failed to get a tune out of his underperforming troops, overseeing some of the most disappointing football Leicester fans can remember. So, is he the right man to take the club forward next year?

Only time will tell, but several names are being mentioned in the next manager odds and markets at Parimatch. If you think Ruud will leave the King Power Stadium, bet on Russell Martin, Sean Dyche, or Lee Carsley, who might be interested in the role.

Departing Players: Vardy & Who Else?

In an open letter to Foxes fans, Jamie Vardy admitted that he would leave the club at the end of the season. The former England international has scored 182 league goals for Leicester since arriving in the East Midlands in 2012 and will leave as a club legend.

While many Leicester fans probably agree that it’s a good time for Vardy to leave, he won’t be the only one heading for the exit door at the end of this season.

Goals have been a big problem for the Foxes this season, and Patson Daka, who arrived at the King Power in a £23 million deal in 2021, may also be on his way out. He’s struggled to impress fans, particularly in the English Premier League, and has only managed 17 league goals in four years.

The club might also consider moving on high earners like Wilfred Ndidi, Wout Faes, and Boubakary Soumare to fund its squad rebuild.

With exciting young talents like Jeremy Monga, Jake Evans, and Sammy Braybrooke on the squad fringes, moving on some of the older players in the squad will make their first-team pathways more evident. It will hopefully excite fans, who haven’t had much to shout about this season.

Where do Leicester Need to Strengthen in the Championship?

It’s not an exaggeration to say Leicester must strengthen their team from front to back. With Vardy leaving, they will need a new number nine to lead the line in the Championship.

Though he has hardly featured in this campaign, Odsonne Edouard, who is on loan from Crystal Palace, could certainly do a job in the Championship if Leicester decide to make his deal permanent.

Most fans will agree that Leicester need a new goalkeeper, as they have never really replaced Kasper Schmeichel. Moreover, a solid central defensive partner for Conor Coady is essential, ideally someone with Championship experience.

Then, Leicester’s signings will very much depend on who leaves the King Power Stadium this summer. Undoubtedly, there will be a big rebuild, as the team has shown throughout this season that it’s not strong enough to compete in the Premier League.

Will the Foxes Bounce Straight Back?

The gulf in quality between the English Championship and the Premier League is widening. The Foxes won the Championship with 97 points in the 2023/24 season, but have only managed 21 points from 35 games this season.

Also, Leicester are the most successful team in Championship/Division One history, with eight titles. So, they will almost certainly be among the favourites to win the league next season, even though they have been extremely poor this campaign.

While Southampton have a lot of work to do this summer, we expect Ipswich Town to challenge for the title again next season. They have been the best of the promoted teams this season, and if they can keep hold of most of their best players, they should be able to mount a successful promotion challenge.

Leicester will also need to pay attention to Birmingham City and Wrexham. Both clubs are extremely well funded by ambitious owners and will likely be there or thereabouts throughout the 2025/26 Championship campaign.

So, while we expect Leicester to be among the favourites for the Championship next season, they need to get the summer rebuild right. They also need to ensure they have the right man in the dugout to lead them to promotion, which will likely be settled in the next few weeks.

Bet on Leicester City at Parimatch

Though it’s been a tough season for everyone at the King Power Stadium, we hope the club will bounce back and have a successful second-tier campaign in 2025/26.

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