Back in May we wrote a piece on how this Leicester squad should look like to get the best balance and get a straight promotion. The pattern to use is based on a few ground principals. For a club like Leicester, understanding their value, place, limitations and ther position in the game is important. If you step outside, you will get in trouble.
Kirsten Otchere has joined Cheltenham on loan for the season. It’s surprising that Russell Martin agreed to a full season, which hopefully means he has some secrets to share soon.
This will create opportunities for new players to come in. We believe that Elijah Adebayo would have the profile to lead the line. Reports today suggests Adebayo has left Bristol City, were he has been on a trial. Nathan Opoku is still with Leicester and based on his background a good enough alternative to call on from the bench. The need for one more striker is there, believed to be Bosnian Admir Bristric.
The business isn’t done with the two attackers. More changes are expected before the league season starts against Notts County. We might see two more signings, including a central defender and a versatile player. Scotland international John Souttar remains a name of interest, as Wout Faes and maybe Ben Nelson could be leaving.
No club is yet to come forward with a bid on Harry Souttar that so far is acceptable for Leicester. Russell Martin confirmed the matter after the Genoa game and is in no way selling below the asking price, believed to be £12million. Souttar still has to years left on his current deal.
In our ideal set up, we did set a criteria of playing 4-3-3. This ment that the squad should of course mirror that system. So far we are satisfied with the additons, but of course still waiting for that striker addition to appear.
Dom Ballard looks to be leaving Orient, but will not come to Leicester. Bristol City looks the obvious new destination at this point, but Leicester could be lucky and get Elijah Adebayo on a free, which would possibly be a much better addition.
The rules in English League One (EFL) is the following;
Each club can register a maximum of 22 senior players aged 21 or over. Within this 22-player limit, at least eight players must meet the homegrown criteria. The 22 players registered must all be over the age of 21.Homegrown Requirement: At least 8 of the registered 22 must be homegrown. Goalkeepers do not count toward the 22-player limit. Under-21 Players: Players under 21 do not need to be registered in the core 22-player squad and can play freely.
With the pre-season over, Leicester shouldn’t try to sign players to the full limit; instead, they should focus on their strengths and only add what they need.
In our set up back in May, we had the following,
Goalkeepers: Stolarczyk&, Vieites&, French&*, Bausor&*
Defenders: Aluko*, Nichols!*, Thomas, Galvez!*, Souttar, Vestergaard, Gray*, Nelson
Midfield: Skipp, Choudhury, Braybrooke, Page*, Brannagan#, Cordova-Reid, Joseph*
Forwards: J Heskey!*, R Heskey!*, Lauritsen#, Mavididi, Evans*, Hutchinson*
* Players who are below 21, and not counting
! Loan signings
# Permanent Signings
& Goalkeepers not counting among the 22 players
Our set up had a total of 25 players. 4 goalkeepers, 10 players below the age of 21
In our suggestion we mentioned a few potential new names, but it principal the profiles of those players are what counts. Russell Martin has in many ways brought in players we believe are in line with our set up. One example is Conor Chaplin, who is a very similar player to Cameron Brannagan, so we are pleased to see that addition. Alex McCarthy is added as a goalkeeper. We feel that was not needed, and not the profile we would have liked for a back up goalkeeper, more or less believed Fran Vieites would be good enough to be that cover. Being in goal for Real Betis in Europa Conference League should qualify him for that job. To have a fight for the goalkeeper position is in no way any good, you need a clear first choice and a good enough second choice, the third goalkeeper should be one from the U21 set up.
This is how it looks at this point
Goalkeepers: Stolarczyk&, Vieites&, McCarthy&, Bausor&*, French&*
Defenders: Aluko*, Coulibaly, Thomas, McFarlane!, Souttar, Okoli, Gray*, Nelson, Faes
Midfield: Skipp, Choudhury, Braybrooke, Page*, Chaplin#, Cordova-Reid, Joseph*, Cullen#
Forwards: Watson!*, Mavididi, Opoku, Evans*, Hutchinson*
When building a squad, it’s important to harness positive energy to prevent conflicts. Ensure players have a clear understanding of their roles and where they fit in the group, which will help reduce concerns for coaches about their feelings and situations.
Bristol City are now prepared to meet Leyton Orient’s £5 million asking price for striker Dom Ballard. [@reluctantnicko]#BristolCity #LOFC pic.twitter.com/CzQcfkq21k
— The Football Lowdown (@FBLowdown) August 4, 2026
Dom Ballard was a player linked with a move to Leicester, but glad to see him moving to Bristol City. Playing as top striker at Leicester, we believe you need a much bigger presence in the box, being able to link up, be one that knows how to play his role in a team with loads of possession. Believe Ballard will be a better fit for Bristol City than Leicester.
The news that Preston are keen on Oliver Skipp, is a bit strange, his salary must then cut between Leicester and Preston as it looks a strange one. Preston will not pay his full page package, that sounds very strange. We will wait and see what happens, would by good to keep Skipp, but he is not replaceable, if leaving.
Wout Faes and Ben Nelson are also players that could be sold or loaned out. Faes can’t be sitting on the bench in League One, so if Harry Souttar stay and Ben Nelson stay, then Wout Faes looks a departure.
One to watch is Plymouth Argyle forward Aribim Pepple. He played youth football for Oadby Owls. Born in Kettering, the 23-year-old striker has a noticeable presence on the field and was quality last season with The Pilgrims.
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