Leicester City poised to save millions on squad rebuild due to season’s silver lining.
Leicester City hope to avoid a squad overhaul after relegation, but their academy leaves them well-prepared if it happens.
If Leicester City face relegation this season—which, based on their current standing, appears likely—their squad will undergo significant changes in the summer.
Whenever a Premier League club drops into the Championship, some degree of overhaul is inevitable.
High-quality players often secure moves back to the top flight, while clubs must adjust to a reduced budget in the second tier.
Following their relegation in 2023, Leicester saw 13 senior players depart—some on free transfers, which was frustrating given their potential value under contract, while others left for substantial fees or temporary loan moves.
A squad rebuild was necessary. Leicester brought in nine senior players, with five joining permanently for just under £40 million, supplemented by additional loan fees.
This significant expenditure ultimately proved worthwhile, helping the club secure an immediate return to the Premier League.
However, it also contributed to Leicester’s struggles with Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
Due to these financial concerns, Leicester’s spending was lower than fellow promoted clubs Ipswich and Southampton in the summer, and their options in the January transfer window were also limited.
Fortunately, Leicester’s past financial difficulties are gradually fading from the three-year assessment period under PSR, easing financial pressures.
However, if they suffer relegation again, they should aim to avoid another costly squad rebuild. Encouragingly, there are already signs they may not need one.
In their previous relegation, Leicester had academy graduates like Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Hamza Choudhury already integrated into the squad, while several others were promoted under Enzo Maresca.
Kasey McAteer became a regular presence, Jakub Stolarczyk was elevated to backup goalkeeper, and prospects such as Ben Nelson and Wanya Marcal made occasional appearances.
If Leicester face another drop, their academy appears well-positioned to play an even greater role in the squad’s future.
