West Bromwich Albion manager Carlos Corberan has emerged as a prominent candidate to replace Enzo Maresca at Leicester City, although the Foxes prefer to appoint Graham Potter.
Corberan’s future has been uncertain for months. Last season, he led West Brom to a fifth-place finish and a spot in the play-offs. However, their promotion hopes were dashed by Southampton, who won the semi-final 3-1 on aggregate.
In the past month, Corberan has been linked with the vacant Leicester job. This speculation persists despite BBC WM journalist and West Brom commentator Steve Hermon stating that Corberan has been in daily contact with West Brom’s hierarchy regarding their plans for the 2024/25 season.
Hermon recently reported that there have been no discussions between Corberan and Leicester. The Foxes are considering Corberan as a potential replacement for Maresca, who left for Chelsea on a five-year contract after Mauricio Pochettino’s departure. This move by Chelsea set off a chain reaction, leading to a vacancy at Leicester.
Leicester aims to appoint their next manager soon, as the 2024/25 Premier League pre-season approaches. The incoming manager will face immediate challenges due to the club’s financial constraints. A points deduction might be looming, and the new manager will have a limited budget. While Corberan and Potter are the leading candidates, other options are also being considered.
Recently, Corberan has become one of the favorites for the Leicester job. According to The Athletic, Leicester is nearing the end of their managerial search following Maresca’s departure, with Corberan and Potter as the top candidates.
Corberan is highly regarded for his playing style and coaching ability. If Leicester were to appoint him, they would need to negotiate compensation with West Brom, as Corberan guided them to the play-offs last season. The Athletic’s report highlights the club’s admiration for Corberan as a serious option.
However, Tom Collomosse of Mail Sport offers West Brom some hope, reporting that Corberan is currently the second favorite, with Potter potentially taking over if he is interested in the role with the Premier League newcomers.
Next season will be the first for West Brom without the Premier League’s ‘Parachute Payment’ scheme, following their relegation in the 2020/21 campaign. West Brom’s financial situation, much like Leicester’s in the Premier League, is uncertain. Corberan will face financial challenges regardless of which club he manages.
Corberan’s adaptable style of play could be beneficial for Leicester in a potential relegation battle next year. However, there is also significant potential for him to attempt another promotion push with West Brom in 2024/25.
The news that Potter is the front-runner is likely to be well-received by West Brom fans. They recognize Corberan as a crucial asset to the club and hope he remains their manager next season.
