Ruud van Nistelrooy will guide Leicester City through an EFL Championship campaign marked by rebuilding, youth integration, significant departures, and a fanbase grappling with frustration. The Foxes face a crucial transfer window as they look to offset major squad losses.
Our previous analysis has covered key aspects of this transition. We’ve highlighted the need for Leicester to offload or release players like Danny Ward and Daniel Iversen to free up space for new signings and academy promotions.
We’ve also outlined which players the King Power outfit should retain for their Championship push—though club insiders may have differing perspectives.
Leicester City Expert Predicts Two Major Exits
BBC Sport’s Nick Mashiter has identified at least two likely departures, with a third strongly possible. While more exits could materialize, Mashiter specifically names Wilfred Ndidi and Mads Hermansen as probable casualties.
The Danish shot-stopper is expected to attract heavy Premier League interest—particularly from newly promoted sides—after a standout season in a struggling Leicester side.
Despite facing a high volume of quality chances (placing him in the 97th percentile for shot difficulty) and posting a modest save percentage (just 7th percentile), Hermansen’s performances have showcased his ability.
Meanwhile, Ndidi’s class remains well above Championship level. Before injury, the Nigerian midfielder was a dominant force, creating chances and breaking up opposition plays almost single-handedly.
However, his market value has dipped with age, and Leicester—facing potential Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) repercussions—may have little choice but to sell.
Mashiter also suggests Kasey McAteer could draw interest from rival Championship clubs. With Leicester determined to retain key attackers like Stephy Mavididi and Abdul Fatawu, fringe players like McAteer may be deemed expendable—allowing van Nistelrooy to reinvest funds.
Youth Promotions: The Foxes’ Silver Lining
To offset these exits, Leicester should turn to their loaned-out academy stars. Giving them a platform in the Championship could boost their value, accelerate development, and reduce reliance on costly signings.
From defensive prospects like Tom Wilson-Brown and Ben Nelson to midfield talents Henry Cartwright and Sammy Braybrooke, the pipeline is strong. In attack, Jake Evans and Jeremy Monga could shine, while Wanya Marcal-Madivadua and Will Alves offer further depth.
Jakub Stolarczyk is already primed to replace Hermansen, while Braybrooke could fill Ndidi’s void. Should McAteer depart, Monga’s promotion to the senior squad would be a logical step.