Looking at past transfer deals made by Russell Martin at his former clubs can reveal useful insights for future decisions. We have tracked back and looked at Martin’s actions in the market.
The first player to count is Matt O’Riley. He was signed as a free agent by Russell Martin after leaving Fulham to join MK Dons. A year later, he was sold to Celtic for £1.5m, where he found great success. He attracted interest from Leicester but ultimately joined Brighton for £25m in 2024. Last season, he was loaned to Marseille and has also earned 6 caps for Denmark.
In his time at Swansea he signed the two central defenders, Harry Darling and Nathan Wood. Both are players that have cought attention from Premier League clubs. Wood moved to Southampton again signed by Martin. Darling is with Norwich at this point.
Ryan Manning joined Russell Martin at Southampton, taking him from Swansea on a free. He signed N Ireland international Shea Charles from Man City. A young prospect who is very much part of The Saints progress at the moment.
Understand Admir Bristrić is awaiting a visa in Austria before travelling to England to complete his move to Leicester City.
— H (@RHazza12) August 6, 2026
No medical has taken place yet. The timeline for the visa being issued remains uncertain. As a Bosnian national, he requires a UK visa.#LCFC pic.twitter.com/xl1lHdq12N
One shrewd signing was the addition of Taylor Harwood-Bellis. Joined from Man City on loan, helped Southampton to promotion, and when in Premier League, signed a permanent deal. Harwood-Bellis was outstanding last season in the EFL Championship. He has played once for England, having scored one goal.
He never got the time to get the best out of his time at Rangers, making some interesting signigns. One who comes to mind is Thelo Aasgaard from Luton. Thelo has been outstanding for Norway, having scored 6 goals in 9 appearances, last international goal in this years World Cup vs. France. Another exciting edtion was Bojan Miovski, coming in from Girona. He also signed 18 year old Mikey Moore on loan from Spurs. Not to forget Youssef Chermiti joining from Everton.
Since coming to Leicester, Russell Martin has been busy in trying to build something during transition. We all knew that a number of players on high salaries had to be moved on, so they have, and possibly more to happen. The additions done makes perfectly sense and if he manage to get that top striker option correctly, this could be a very good season for Leicester. He has one goal and one expectation, to take Leicester back to EFL Championship.
The additions so far has been players either coming in on a free or for nominal fees. The top signing Liam Cullen, from Swansea, is one that will hopefully work out as well as we can get it. Also expected to see a lot from Wes Burns and Conor Chaplin, not to forget Tommy Watson. To see the Bosnian striker Admir Bristric being lined up is also thrilling, but still not seen him in much action against qualified opponents, but still interesting to see if Leicester have found a new top striker who can be part of a journey up the league ladders.
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