Martin Keown takes a subtle swipe at Leicester owners while highlighting Ruud van Nistelrooy’s major challenge.

Leicester City currently sits 18th in the Premier League table, struggling to escape the relegation zone.

Their most recent league match ended in a crushing 4-0 defeat to Everton, intensifying calls for Jon Rudkin’s dismissal.

Ruud van Nistelrooy has been given the difficult task of steering Leicester to safety.

However, ahead of their upcoming clash with Arsenal, there have been discussions about supporters making their frustrations known.

Reports suggest that Leicester fans are planning a protest in the 14th minute of the match, referencing the infamous Adrien Silva transfer saga.

Back in August 2017, Leicester attempted to sign the Portuguese midfielder, but they missed the registration deadline by just 14 seconds.

This incident remains a sore point for the fanbase, who feel their club has been mismanaged for years.

In addition to the protest, former Arsenal defender Martin Keown has highlighted a major challenge Van Nistelrooy faces as Leicester’s manager.

Martin Keown Identifies Van Nistelrooy’s Biggest Issue at Leicester

Keown, who had a brief spell at Leicester before being released in January 2005, has become a prominent football pundit.

Speaking on talkSPORT, he pointed out that Leicester’s reliance on 38-year-old Jamie Vardy is a significant concern.

“I think their problem is relying on a 38-year-old striker in Vardy,” Keown explained.

“When you reach that age, it’s remarkable that he’s still leading the line. It’s a testament to him, but he shouldn’t still be their best striker. By now, they should have found a long-term replacement.”

Vardy has been a crucial figure for Leicester, helping them win the Premier League and FA Cup. However, Keown believes the club’s failure to develop or recruit a successor is a glaring issue.

Keown’s Subtle Criticism of Leicester’s Owners

Leicester made just one signing in the January transfer window, bringing in Woyo Coulibaly from Serie A side Parma.

Given their squad’s struggles—particularly the lack of a long-term successor for Vardy—it is surprising that more investment wasn’t made, though financial constraints related to PSR (Profit and Sustainability Rules) have played a role.

Keown suggested that the club’s lack of transfer activity is a major problem, subtly criticizing the Leicester City owners.

“That’s an issue for them—getting players who can score goals,” he said.

“They haven’t really spent money in recent years, and investment in key areas has slowed.”

With Vardy’s contract set to expire in June 2025, Leicester must come to terms with the fact that their iconic striker won’t be around forever.

The club needs to act swiftly to secure a proper replacement before his eventual retirement.