Enzo Maresca’s Leicester City are on course for an immediate return to the Premier League.
It seems that the Foxes’ stay in the Championship will last only one season.
With a record number of points firmly within their grasp, the board should perhaps look to the summer and prepare for a return to the Premier League that looks like ironclad.
Stephy Mavididi, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Mads Hermansen and Kasey McAteer are the exciting core of Maresco and the new signings will surely boost their Premier League aspirations.
However, with six players out of contract, it is possible that some important players could leave the King Power.
Below we take a look at SIX players whose contracts expire in the summer of 2024.
- Jamie Vardy
The Leicester City legend could be gone in just a few months.
There is no doubt about Jamie Vardy’s status in the East Midlands. With 136 Premier League goals, the 37-year-old ranks alongside some of the all-time greats (Transfermarkt).
“Age is just a number,” said Vardy after Leicester’s 5-0 win over Stoke City (via BBC Sport).
“You’re only as old as how your legs feel, so I make sure I look after myself, regenerate properly and do a bit more when I’m at home. As long as I do that, I’ll feel fresh.”
Despite Vardy’s impressive form, a contract extension, which expires in the summer with Leicester on course for a return to the Premier League, seems unlikely.
- Wilfred N’didi
Nigerian midfielder Wilfred N’didi is another player who could be headed for pastures new.
The 27-year-old signed for Leicester in 2017 and signed a six-year contract extension a year after arriving. As the centre-forward has not yet committed to his long-term future at the Foxes, a summer departure is definitely in sight.
The Telegraph reported that Nottingham Forest are interested in N’Didi – and it would not be a surprise if the Nigeria international, whose contract expires in a few months, moves to a Premier League club.
- Dennis Praet
Belgian central midfielder Dennis Praet could also enter the final months of his career at Leicester City.
The twenty-nine-year-old signed a five-year contract in August 2019, which will expire in the summer. Praet has already spent time away from the King Power, having been loaned out to Torino for the 2021/22 season.
With only a handful of Championship appearances under his belt this season, a summer departure is almost inevitable.
- Marc Albrighton
Marc Albrighton has probably made more appearances than expected this season.
The 34-year-old was sent to West Bromwich Albion last season, but his future at Leicester City was very much in doubt.
The former Aston Villa youngster signed a contract extension in the summer of 2021, but now the final months of his contract are coming to an end and it looks like he will be leaving.
“To be honest, I love Marco,” Maresca told Leicester Live.
”He is fantastic, he works every day, he is very professional and a good guy.
“He helps everybody. He knows the club better than me, for sure, but also better than many, many people. He is fantastic. I’m a bit sorry I couldn’t give him more chances. But he understands that completely. Marc is fantastic.”
- Kelechi Iheanacho
Kelechi Iheanacho is another one heading for the exit door, although his future is a little less clear.
The 27-year-old signed a contract extension in 2021 after impressing in the Premier League under Brendan Rodgers.
According to Daily Mail journalist Tom Collomossa, the board has not lost hope of agreeing a new contract with the former Manchester City striker ahead of what appears to be Leicester’s imminent return to the Premier League.
There could be interest from elsewhere, with journalist Michael van Vaerenbergh claiming that Real Betis are interested in Iheanacho – the striker’s future is certainly one to keep a close eye on.
- Jannik Vestergaard
Maresca could also lose one of its key men.
Jannik Vestergaard was excellent during Leicester’s stellar campaign in the Championship and was an ever-present in Maresca’s defence (FotMob).
The thirty-one-year-old signed a contract in 2021 and has resurrected his career under Maresco at the King Power. With his current contract expiring in the summer, the Dane has emerged as a projected target for Anderlecht.
If Leicester fail to agree new terms, Vestergaard’s next move is certainly one to keep a close eye on.