Leicester city decision turn to regret on the players this summer 

                         Leicester city decision turn to regret on the players this summer 

The Foxes have had multiple big names emerge from their youth ranks, with the likes of Gary Lineker, Peter Shilton and Emile Heskey developing into England internationals, followed by the most recent exit of Harvey Barnes to Newcastle United in a big money move.

These types of players have helped cement Leicester’s glorious history, which has included seven second tier trophy lifts, three League Cup victories, an FA Cup triumph and a Premier League title back in the 2015/16 season under Claudio Ranieri.

Fellow Italian and current Leicester boss Enzo Maresca has called upon the clubs’ own academy talent so far during their return to the EFL Championship, with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Jakub Stolarczyk and Kasey McAteer all featuring in some capacity as they aim to bounce back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

Kicking off list is former Ivory Coast international Max Gradel, who began his footballing journey at the King Power Stadium in 2007, signing a professional contract along with midfielder Andy King.

The now 35-year-old struggled to force his way into the Leicester first team, making just 33 appearances in four years.

Successive loan spells to Bournemouth and Leeds United followed before he was sold permanently to the West Yorkshire side in the 2010/11 campaign.

Following on from his exit at Leicester, Gradel completed a move to French side Saint-Étienne, and in the 2014/15 season he was the club’s top scorer in Ligue 1 with 17 goals and three assists, proving his capabilities in front of goal for all to see.

The winger continued to demonstrate his goal scoring prowess at the 2015 African Cup of Nations, helping his native country to glory and netting two important goals in group stage games against Mali and Cameroon.

If given a bit more time in England and specifically Leicester, Foxes supporters could have seen Gradel reciprocate the form he possessed later on in his career, which could have made him much more of a fan- in blue and gold.

Moving on to Jeffrey Schlupp, who has spent a significant portion of his career at Leicester+++.

The Ghanaian international came through the ranks in 2010 and ended up playing 150 times, registering 15 goals and 10 assists before completing a permanent transfer to Crystal Palace in January 2017.

During his stint in South London, the 30-year-old has made over 200 appearances, with his versatility being a key reason for his long stay at the club.

Schlupp has the ability to play at left-back, left-wing and in central midfield, making him the perfect utility-man for any squad to have at their disposal.