Report: Enzo Maresca Departure Provides Leicester City with Significant Advantage in Managerial Search

Leicester City’s chances of appointing Graham Potter as their new manager may be significantly improved by the compensation they will receive for Enzo Maresca.

Enzo Maresca left Leicester City to take up the vacant managerial role at Chelsea less than a year after being appointed by the Foxes. The Argentine coach, in his second senior management role, was hired by Leicester following their relegation from the Premier League. He impressed by guiding the club to the Championship title and securing an immediate return to the top flight.

Despite the confidence Leicester had in Maresca, his departure for Chelsea this summer was disappointing, leaving the club in a difficult position. Over the past week or so, the club has been diligently narrowing down their search for a new manager.

This process has led Leicester to identify Graham Potter as their preferred candidate. The latest developments at the club could be crucial in convincing the 49-year-old to take the job. Discussions have occurred between Leicester’s hierarchy and Potter, who has been out of work since being sacked by Chelsea in April 2023.

Potter has expressed interest in the club’s setup and squad but has understandable reservations given Leicester’s uncertain financial situation. He is also reportedly keen on the England job, which could become available following the outcome of this summer’s European Championship, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.

However, it was confirmed on Sunday by The Sun that Leicester are set to have their transfer embargo lifted by the Premier League. The £10 million compensation from Chelsea for Maresca’s departure will help the club avoid breaching profit and sustainability rules (PSR). Leicester had been accused of breaching PSR in their last three Premier League seasons but have appealed the decision. They are now confident that they will not need to sell their most valuable assets this summer.

While the transfer ban has been lifted, Leicester could still face a points deduction if their appeal against the PSR breach is unsuccessful. This lingering uncertainty complicates the effort to persuade Potter to take the reins. Nonetheless, a transfer ban or a forced sale of key players would likely deter most prospective managers.

With the transfer embargo set to be lifted, Potter could be reassured that he will have the resources to build a team according to his vision, with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall playing a central role. Dewsbury-Hall, Leicester’s most valuable asset, would likely have been sold to quickly raise funds to avoid a PSR breach. The latest update suggests that the 25-year-old may now remain with the club.

Leicester will still need to be cautious with their spending this summer, but the opportunity to make strategic additions to the squad could be the deciding factor for Potter to accept the job.

In summary, Leicester City’s managerial search has culminated in targeting Graham Potter. The compensation for Maresca’s move to Chelsea not only helps alleviate financial concerns but also plays a crucial role in lifting the transfer embargo. This could enable Leicester to strengthen their squad and potentially attract Potter to guide their Premier League campaign.