Leicester City Hit the Jackpot with £6.4m Acquisition of EFL Star: View

Stephy Mavididi, a 26-year-old winger, joined Leicester City from Ligue 1 side Montpellier in the summer of 2023 for a fee of €7.5 million (£6.4 million), as reported by Foot Mercato.

 

Since arriving at the King Power Stadium, Mavididi has become a key figure in Enzo Maresca’s Championship-winning team.

 

Mavididi’s Rise at Leicester City

 

Playing on the left wing, Mavididi was a standout performer in Leicester’s 2023/24 Championship campaign, at times appearing almost unstoppable.

 

His speed, flair, and ability to create scoring opportunities made him a constant threat to opposition defenders, who will likely be relieved to no longer face him in the second tier.

 

The English winger immediately made an impact, delivering key performances right from the start of the season.

 

In Leicester’s opening match against Coventry City, Mavididi assisted Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s winning goal, showcasing his sharp football IQ.

 

After drawing out the defender, he quickly passed to Dewsbury-Hall and made a clever dummy run, allowing the midfielder to score.

 

This marked the beginning of what would become a series of impressive displays by Mavididi throughout the season.

 

He followed up his assist with a winning goal in Leicester’s second match against Huddersfield Town.

 

His performance against Southampton in a commanding 4-1 victory further demonstrated his importance to the team.

 

As Leicester gained momentum in the Championship, Mavididi’s standout performances played a significant role in their success.

 

A Talent Above the Championship, but with Inconsistencies

 

While Mavididi proved to be one of the most dangerous attackers in the Championship, his form fluctuated at times.

 

His first six games saw him score two goals and provide two assists, setting a high standard early on.

 

By the turn of the year, he had netted eight goals and added four assists, helping Leicester maintain their promotion push.

 

However, Mavididi’s consistency became an issue as the season progressed.

 

After scoring twice more by the end of January, he went through a barren spell, failing to contribute a goal or assist in nine consecutive games between February and April.

 

This dip in form coincided with a rough patch for Leicester, and Maresca didn’t hesitate to publicly call for more from his star winger.

 

In an interview with Leicestershire Live in March, Maresca commented on Mavididi’s body language and form, saying: “Stephy has to improve a little bit, his body language. It’s part of the season where he’s not been at his best.

 

For some weeks, he’s been very good. It’s something normal, when you are in March and you play almost 45 games, between the Championship, Carabao Cup, and the FA Cup. They are human beings, and sometimes during the season, they can be tired. It is what it is.”

 

Despite this mid-season slump, Mavididi’s class eventually shone through.

 

In the final stretch of the 2024/25 campaign, he rediscovered his form, contributing two goals and two assists in the last eight games.

 

His return to form helped Leicester secure the Championship title and achieve promotion back to the Premier League.

 

Mavididi’s Premier League Potential

 

Mavididi finished the season with 12 goals and six assists, proving that he was a cut above the competition in the Championship.

 

 

His performances left a lasting impression, with countless defenders struggling to contain him throughout the season.

 

However, the big question now is whether Mavididi can carry this form into the Premier League.

 

The Premier League presents a different level of challenge, and many players who excel in the Championship struggle to replicate their success at the top level.

 

Mavididi has already demonstrated that he has the talent, but the step up to the Premier League requires more than just skill—it demands consistency, tactical awareness, and the ability to perform against tougher opposition week in and week out.

New Leicester boss Steve Cooper will be keen to see the same explosive Mavididi who dominated in the Championship.

 

 

Cooper will likely give him opportunities to prove himself on the Premier League stage, but Mavididi will need to adapt quickly to the increased pace and intensity of the competition.

 

While many Championship stars have found the jump to the Premier League daunting, Mavididi’s time at Montpellier and his experience in top European competitions suggest that he has the pedigree to succeed.

 

 

His time in France honed his ability to operate at a high level, and now, with the confidence of a Championship-winning season behind him, he’ll be looking to make his mark in the Premier League.

 

A Key Figure for Leicester’s Future

 

Mavididi’s £6.4 million transfer fee has already proven to be a bargain for Leicester City, considering his contributions to their Championship triumph.

 

However, the next step in his journey is to prove that he can be just as influential in England’s top flight.

 

Leicester’s Premier League return comes with higher expectations, and Mavididi will be one of the players the club relies on to ensure they stay competitive.

 

If he can replicate the same form and impact he showed in the Championship, Mavididi could quickly establish himself as a key figure in Leicester’s Premier League campaign.

 

While there will inevitably be challenges along the way, Mavididi has already shown that he has the talent and determination to overcome obstacles.

 

Now, it’s about proving that he belongs at the highest level.

 

In summary, Stephy Mavididi has been a revelation for Leicester City, playing a crucial role in their Championship-winning season.

 

While he faced moments of inconsistency, he bounced back when it mattered most, helping the team secure promotion.

 

The Premier League will be his next big test, and if he can rise to the occasion, he has the potential to become astar for Leicester in the top tier.