The latest Leicester City news as the first group of players completes their first session under the new manager at Seagrave on Monday.
The first group of Leicester City players is close to their first day working under new manager Enzo Maresca as they return to pre-season.
It’s set to be a big summer at the King Power Stadium with a lot of changes to the squad expected throughout the next few weeks. The sale of James Maddison to Tottenham may have kickstarted the transfer activity with both Harry Winks and Conor Coady expected to complete transfers imminently.
The expected changes in the squad, coupled with the arrival of a new manager will make players eager to impress when they return for day one of pre-season on Monday. City Players will be keen to show Maresca that they can play a part throughout the season.
Here’s a look at some of those looking to catch the eye over the next few weeks as the squad prepares for the opening Championship game against Coventry City on August 6.
Dennis Praet
The midfielder has been linked with a move away from the club this season, but if he impresses Maresca during pre-season, then a stay may not be out of the question. Praet has struggled for regular starts over the last few seasons, leading him to spend the 2021/22 season on loan with Serie A side Torino.
The Italian side is keen to take him back on a permanent deal but has not yet reached City’s asking price. Praet was part of the squad last season and may be eager to show Maresca that he could be an important player in the Championship.
Hamza Choudhury
The academy graduate spent last season on loan with Championship side Watford, where he was a regular starter. Relegation from the Premier League means that City could again turn to the midfielder in the upcoming season, where his ball-winning may benefit players alongside him.
Southampton has recently been credited with an interest, but Maresca could opt to keep him around if he impresses in pre-season.
Jannik Vestergaard
The defender’s time at City looks to be over, but that could be different if he impresses in pre-season. He found himself training with the club’s U21s under Brendan Rodgers due to an interview with the Danish media.
Although he was brought back into the first-team fold under Dean Smith, he failed to make any appearances under the interim manager. Vestergaard is expected to be among the first group of players to return to pre-season training on Monday.
Daniel Iversen & Danny Ward
Links to Man City goalkeeper Zack Steffen suggest that there could be some movement on the goalkeeper front this summer. If Steffen does come in, one of either Ward or Iversen is likely to be moved on, with the other playing a backup role and Alex Smithies as the third choice.
Steffen is recovering from an operation in the summer and it’s not clear when he could return. If the American missed pre-season and the early games, then Iversen and Ward face a fight to impress Maresca in pre-season.
Marc Albrighton
Another player who spent at least part of last season on loan, the experienced winger was a surprise January departure when he joined West Brom. He will return to City next week and could potentially stake a place in the starting XI next season.
With Harvey Barnes expected to move on, it leaves the title win as the only first-team player who is recognized as a winger. A good pre-season may extend his time at the club.
Ben Nelson
Moving onto younger players, Nelson could be one to make the step up next season after building up experience with League 2 side Doncaster Rovers in the second half of the season. The 19-year-old is highly rated at City and the signing of Conor Coady could potentially help his development, with the center-back continuing to learn his trade and potentially being kept around as back-up in the new season.
Amari Richards
The Mirror reported this week that Richards is ‘determined’ to make the breakthrough at the King Power Stadium and has returned from his break early to implement a training regime ready for pre-season.
The 18-year-old joined from Arsenal 19 months ago and has impressed with the U18s, recording more than 20 goals and assists. He was also named the club’s academy player of the year last season.
Lewis Brunt
Brunt has been in and around the first team for the last couple of seasons, but relegation to the Championship could increase his game time for the club. The 22-year-old made one Premier League appearance last season, coming on as a substitute in the 2-0 defeat against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground. He also played the full 90 minutes of the 1-0 FA Cup win over Gillingham.
His versatility in being able to play midfield, defense, and full-back could help him make the breakthrough.
Another player who has been in and around the first team in recent seasons without fully making the breakthrough. The 20-year-old was named on the bench four times in the Premier League last season but failed to make an appearance.
His one and only first-team appearance came back in January 2022, when he played 45 minutes of the 4-1 FA Cup win over Watford. Marcel-Madivadua is able to play both in central midfield and out wide, which could increase his first-team chances this season given City’s current lack of wide options.
Two other development squad stars who would have been looking to impress are Sammy Braybrooke and Will Alves. Both players are however still recovering from anterior cruciate ligament injuries, which will delay their start to the campaign.
