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Projected Leicester Squad for 2026/27

Projected Leicester Squad for 2026/27 as of June 3

With the season over and Leicester set for their second-ever season in League One, many fans are already looking towards the future. This projected Leicester squad for the 2026/27 term will look at who might get shifted, who is coming in, and how the academy graduates can make a difference.

Current Projected Leicester Squad for 2026/27

Goalkeepers

Last season, Jakub Stolarczyk and Asmir Begovic were often utilised, with Fran Vieites cast away. The Spaniard, who played in a European semi-final only one year ago, could be looking for a way out. This would also make sense as Leicester will be looking to cut wages, and won’t see the need for having a third keeper of that quality.

Read More: Leicester Forward Set ‘To Assess Every Possibility’ Amid Expiring Contract

Whilst Asmir Begovic’s contract is up, he remains in discussions with the club over extending his stay. With these potential changes, academy keeper Stevie Bausor may make the step up to the first team as a third-choice keeper. Despite spending around half of the season out with injury, Bausor is well thought of around the club, having spent the last two pre-seasons with the senior side.

Goalkeepers: Jakub Stolarczyk, Asmir Begovic, Stevie Bausor

Defenders

This is one area that is likely to be reduced over the summer. Wout Faes, who spent the second half of the season at Monaco, will more than likely be set for a move away. Meanwhile, Caleb Okoli and Ben Nelson could also depart, as they are still young and will be seen as sellable assets. Nelson has already been linked to Manchester United, with plenty of clubs looking to take advantage of Leicester’s woes.

Other centre-backs to have featured last season include Jannik Vestergaard, Harry Souttar and Jamaal Lascelles. The latter’s contract is already up, which means he will not be staying for next season. As for Souttar and Vestergaard, they may stay due to their contracts and to offer cohesion during a period full of change. The Australian international stood out in his two starts last season, even scoring a goal against Millwall. Due to his injury issues, clubs in and around the Championship may be hesitant to make a move.

Read More: Most Expensive Leicester Full-Backs Ever

In terms of right-backs, Ricardo Pereira’s contract expired, thus leaving only Hamza Choudhury and Bade Aluko as options. Woyo Coulibaly is returning from his loan at Sassuolo, but after signing in the Premier League and never being given a chance, he could be on the move. Meanwhile, on the left, Luke Thomas is nailed on to stay after penning a new four-year deal last season. Outside of him, there is Victor Kristiansen; however, the Dane has already admitted he didn’t sign to be in League One, and could be heading for the exit door.

Once again, it seems like there could be an overhaul of incomings and outgoings. This would open the door for youngsters, Tom Wilson Brown and Kevon Gray. Wilson Brown spent all season on loan at Swindon Town, with him often featuring on the left side of a back three. Meanwhile, Gray made his debut for the Foxes against Blackburn; he’s been impressing for the under-21s.

Defenders: Harry Souttar, Jannik Vestergaard, Kevon Gray, Tom Wilson Brown, Luke Thomas, Bade Aluko

Midfielders

Jordan James was at the heart of City’s midfield for much of last season, but like Divine Mukasa, Joe Aribo and Aaron Ramsey, his loan has expired. This leaves the Foxes with Oliver Skipp and Harry Winks as the number six. Whilst Skipp is the more likely of the two to stay, it wouldn’t be surprising if both moved on. Winks has had a series of well-documented issues with the club, whether it be with managers or supporters. He will be desperate to put this tenure in royal blue behind him.

Outside of them, there are Louis Page and Bobby Reid. Page, who won the EFL’s Scholar of the Year award, impressed throughout the campaign, and City will be keen to keep him. He signed his first professional deal earlier in the summer and could be an influential figure in League One. Meanwhile, Reid will be in the last year of his deal, and at 33 years old, won’t have many suitors. He managed eight goal contributions last season, which bodes well for a season in the third tier.

Read More: Leicester Gem ‘Destined For The Top’ Could Be Midfield Solution

This may be an area where fewer reinforcements are needed, as there is returning quality. Sammy Braybrooke will be coming off the back of a stellar campaign in League Two, where he was named in the Team of the Season. The 22-year-old impressed for both Chesterfield and Newport, with his carrying, defensive actions and passing all catching the eye. Furthermore, Henry Cartwright recently signed a new deal. He was with Falkirk last season, and even scored a wonder goal to relieve Russell Martin of his duties at Rangers.

Midfielders: Louis Page, Oliver Skipp, Bobby Reid, Sammy Braybrooke, Henry Cartwright

Attackers

Heading into next season, a striker has to be a priority. Both Jordan Ayew and Patson Daka struggled last season and subsequently saw their contracts expire this summer. Ben Jacobs recently reported that Leicester and Millwall have made approaches for Scotland international Lyndon Dykes. In addition to this, Lorent Tolaj is also a supposed target, but there will once again be plenty of competition.

Out wide, Stephy Mavididi and Abdul Fatawu are coming off the back of disappointing campaigns. Despite this, there will still be plenty of interest, especially for Fatawu given his age and ability to win games. Similarly, Jeremy Monga has also caught the attention of several clubs. Arsenal and Manchester United currently lead the race for the 16-year-old wonderkid. Like Monga, Silko Thomas was also a part of last year’s squad, though Thomas is currently negotiating a new deal with the club.

In terms of loanees that are returning, Jake Evans had a decent stint with Northampton Town. Although he couldn’t save them from relegation, he was constantly praised for being a shining light in a poor team. Will Alves also spent time in League One, but injuries and struggles for form meant he could only manage 12 league appearances. He did show glimpses of the potential so many Leicester fans hold onto; mainly when receiving in tight spaces.

Read More: ‘Excellent’ Leicester Loanee Who Could Be First-Team Ready

There is also Nathan Opoku, who signed a new deal last season, and was with Christian Fuchs’ Newport County. They miraculously avoided relegation with Opoku scoring six goals along the way. Jayden Joseph was also emboriled in this fight for safety, though he was representing Tranmere Rovers. Joseph can play a plethora of positions, with his attacking ability certianly standing out. A Van Basten esque finish away at Cheltenham certainly stood out during this positive loan spell.

Whilst a suitable number nine will eventually be found, academy forwards Kirsten Otchere and Lorenz Hutchinson will be keen to impress. Both put up strong numbers for the academy last season, and could be ready for firsy-team oppurtunites in pre-season.

Attackers: Nathan Opoku, Kirsten Otchere, Lorenz Hutchinson, Jake Evans, Silko Thomas, Jayden Joseph, Will Alves

Projected Leicester Squad as of June 3

  1. Jakub Stolarczyk
  2. Asmir Begovic
  3. Stevie Bausor
  4. Luke Thomas
  5. Bade Aluko
  6. Tom Wilson Brown
  7. Kevon Gray
  8. Hamza Choudhury
  9. Harry Souttar
  10. Jannik Vestergaard
  11. Sammy Braybrooke
  12. Henry Cartwright
  13. Oliver Skipp
  14. Louis Page
  15. Bobby Reid
  16. Will Alves
  17. Silko Thomas
  18. Jayden Joseph
  19. Jake Evans
  20. Lorenz Hutchinson
  21. Kirsten Otchere
  22. Nathan Opoku

Featured Image Credit

IMAGO / Every Second Media

About Jack Worswick

Jack is also a student and supporter of Leicester City. He brings passion and interest to his football writing, that normally centers around analysis. He aims to cover an array of topics, with Leicester City being at the forefront.

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