Leicester City Transfer Update: Who Steve Cooper will Sell, Loan, or Keep

Now Leicester City have their man in Steve Cooper at the helm of the Football Club, the Foxes can plan which players they will keep to help them survive in the Premier League. Not to mention who they want to let go to balance the books.

Wilfred Ndidi is someone Leicester should try to keep at all costs. With the Nigerian midfielder’s contract expires at the end of June, so the hierarchy should make it a priority to extend his spell at the East Midlands club. At the moment, there is uncertainty about how much Leicester would be able to spend on transfers this summer. His experience makes him a vital asset to Steve Cooper and the team next season.

Patson Daka will likely be putting on a Leicester shirt before the campaign kicks off against Tottenham Hotspur. Despite the striker’s deficiencies in front of goal, he will be a crucial as the Zambian forward developed his overall play under Enzo Maresca. His raw pace will be a threat to most sides. Especially against the bigger sides, Leicester will look to soak up pressure and hit opponents on the counter attack.

As mentioned earlier, uncertainty about LCFC’s ability to spend in this market means raising funds will be of the utmost importance for the outfit. One way they can do this is by selling homegrown talent Hamza Choudhury. As Leicester would be able to make 100% profit from the sale of the Loughborough-born midfielder, it may help avoid points deduction this term and in future seasons.

This hypothetical sale could give the Foxes breathing space when it comes to the Premier League’s financial fair play rules and profit and sustainability. Despite Choudhury playing more games than ever for Leicester in the Championship, if a bid comes in for the midfielder, the club should be considering their options and their financial position.

Another player that Leicester should be looking to move is Harry Souttar. The Scottish-born Australian defender made just three appearances last season and was out of then-manager Maresca’s plans. Even though Harry Souttar proved he was of EPL-standard in the relegation campaign.

As important as it is for Leicester to balance the books via player sales, they can also do this by loaning some of the youth players out to develop their careers. Ben Nelson is one whom would benefit from a loan spell. The young defender appeared five times for LCFC in 2023/24, impressing the majority of fans with his performance. The 20-year-old has already been successful temporarily away from King Power Stadium with Doncaster Rovers as well as Rochdale.

Other Leicester youngsters who should be placed on the loan market next season are Will Alves and Sammy Braybrooke. Both midfielders are coming off respective ACL injuries which saw their game-time limited in 2023/24. It’ll be important for them to go out on loan in lower divisions to get vital minutes which will help develop their careers. This has proved a fruitful path for young City players in the past.

Youth academy products like Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Choudhry, Ben Chilwell and Harvey Barnes were all loaned to Championship or League One outfits to gain their footballing education. They all came back to Leicester and thrived. With some then being relinquished astronomical fees, which helped LCFC be a sustainable club challenging the Premier League elites, in one period. Hopefully those days return.