Following Leicester’s recent 3-1 win away at Derby County, a notable talking point around Harry Winks has once again risen. The former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder wasn’t selected in Saturday’s squad, an omission that didn’t prove costly as Oliver Skipp more than stepped up. With Winks’ departure looking likely, here’s a look at two City players who could make the step up to the first team in his absence.
Analysing The Academy Duo That Could Replace Harry Winks
Harry Winks’ Role
Although Winks’ importance to the side has diminished compared to last time in the Championship, he is still influential. In the double pivot, he often looks to take control of the game and dictate the tempo. Whilst reflected in his stats, it’s not always effective. According to Fbref, the Englishman is in the top 10 percentile for passing percentage, passes attempted, and progressive passes per 90 minutes. However, this hasn’t been enough in games, as Leicester’s possession isn’t consistently resulting in chances. Furthermore, his more diminutive frame and lack of combativeness can become an issue out of possession.
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In addition to this dwindling significance, off-the-pitch matters make a move away seem even more inevitable. Following the Derby game, John Percy reported that issues in training led to his dismissal, with some players and members of the coaching staff left frustrated. This isn’t the first time Winks has had issues with a manager, as fall-outs with both Steve Cooper and Ruud Van Nistelrooy were well documented last season. In addition to this, he is likely to be on high wages, and with his contract expiring in the summer of 2026, Leicester need to plan for the future.
Therefore, could either of these homegrown players be the solution? Both Henry Cartwright and Sammy Braybrooke went out on loan this past summer and are already impressing for their respective clubs. Braybrooke, a shining light in a poor Newport side and Cartwright, a well-rounded midfielder finding his way in men’s football at Falkirk. Growing reports of possible restrictions in the transfer window also make it more likely for either of these players to play a role in the future.
Sammy Braybrooke
Upon arriving in South Wales on deadline day, Braybrooke has since been a revelation for the Exiles. Although the club sit 24th in League Two and five points from safety, it’s fair to say he has been a level above his teammates. With 16 appearances and two assists along the way, it’s no surprise that both David Hughes and Christian Fuchs have made use of the 21-year-old.
During a recent game against Barrow, he looked at his best, with a nice blend of ball-carrying, switches of play, and defensive intensity all on show. 62 passes, three chances created, an assist and nine ground duels won further emphasise his quality during that 2-2 draw. With Braybrooke returning to the East Midlands in January, it would make perfect sense for him to join the first-team squad.
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A regular in the England youth setup and labelled by Jamie Vardy the ‘Leicester Iniesta’, it’s clear the midfielder has always been highly regarded. If not for a devastating injury back in 2023, then it’s likely he would have gained more minutes in the first team under either Brendan Rodgers or Enzo Maresca. When discussing Braybrooke back in 2022, Rodgers was full of praise. He said: “He’s going to be an outstanding player, there’s absolutely no doubt.” Following the tumultuous period, could it now be his time to make a name for himself in the first team?
Henry Cartwright
On the other hand, Cartwright’s rise through the ranks has been more discreet. The 20-year-old amassed 59 games for the Foxes’ under-21 side and is yet to have played for the first team. The closest he came to senior action was last year, when Van Nistelrooy named him on the bench away at St James’ Park. Despite this, Cartwright continued to perform at a top level and helped register a 10th-place finish in PL2.
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When discussing his aspirations at Leicester last year, the local lad seems more than motivated to make the step up. He said: “That’s all I want to do (make a first-team appearance). I’ve put years into this club, and that’s where I want to get to and where I’ve always wanted to get to.” It’s fair to say he’s doing all the right things to make this happen, as shown through his tenure on loan at Falkirk.
15 appearances so far in league action, six of those coming in the eleven. Among Cartwright’s best attributes are his passing range, intelligence and physical presence. The way he’s adjusted to the fast-paced nature of the Scottish League can’t be underestimated, especially as it’s something Braybrooke couldn’t do with Dundee FC. Furthermore, his eye for a goal can’t be is also key, as he is a great ball-striker and penalty taker. Perhaps the best example of this was his goal against Rangers back in October, a notable moment towards the end of Russel Martin’s reign.
When the Leicester media team recently came to visit the midfielder, manager John McGlynn discussed the importance of the loan move. He said: “Playing at this level helps him in his progression in his career, whether he’s going and playing in the Leicester first team or whatever [else].”
