adminLeicester City supporters are coming to terms with life in League One after a difficult season that ended in relegation. The club has already started a major squad rebuild at the King Power Stadium, with several senior players confirmed to be leaving and more expected to follow in the coming weeks.
Confirmed Departures
Leicester City have confirmed that three senior professionals, including club legend Ricardo Pereira and Patson Daka, will leave when their contracts expire at the end of June. Pereira’s departure marks the end of an important chapter for the midfielder, who played a key role in the club’s successful years.
Several academy and junior players have also been released as part of the retained list, adding to the wider squad clear-out.
Reports suggest that around seven to eight departures, including both senior and developmental players, have either been confirmed or are expected soon due to the financial demands of League One football.
Players Linked With Moves Away
Fresh reports continue to emerge ahead of the summer transfer window:
Abdul Fatawu: Turkish club Trabzonspor are still interested in the Ghanaian winger. The move is believed to be a loan with an option to buy, which could help Leicester financially while keeping Fatawu under contract. His pace, goals, and assists make him one of the club’s most valuable assets despite relegation.
Fran Vieites: The Spanish goalkeeper, signed from Real Betis, is reportedly looking to leave after struggling for regular playing time. He is expected to be available as Leicester continue to reduce the squad size.
Players Who Could Leave This Summer (as of May 8, 2026)
Leicester’s relegation to League One has made a major rebuild unavoidable. The following players are either confirmed to be leaving, out of contract, or strongly linked with exits:
Confirmed or Expiring Contracts (Likely Leaving):
- Ricardo Pereira (right-back) – expected to leave on a free transfer
- Asmir Begovic (goalkeeper) – likely to be released
- Jordan Ayew (forward)
- Jamaal Lascelles (defender)
- Patson Daka (striker)
- Wanya Marçal (winger)
Strongly Expected to Leave:
- Harry Winks (midfielder)
- Caleb Okoli (defender)
- Victor Kristiansen (left-back)
- Stephy Mavididi (winger)
- Wout Faes
- Jannik Vestergaard
- Bobby De Cordova-Reid
- Others identified as surplus or available for sale
Loanees Returning or Likely Moving On:
- Jordan James
- Aaron Ramsey
- Joe Aribo
- Divine Mukasa
- Other temporary signings whose deals are ending
Other players including Woyo Coulibaly, Hamza Choudhury, and several young prospects are also being considered for possible exits to help balance the squad and wage structure.
Fan Reaction and Outlook
Fans have mixed emotions. There is sadness over the departure of experienced players like Ricardo Pereira, but also an understanding that a major rebuild is necessary after relegation.
Manager Gary Rowett, or his successor, has described the situation as a “natural freshening up” of the squad.
Leicester are expected to retain a core of younger players while generating funds through player sales. The summer transfer window will be crucial as the club looks to build a squad capable of competing for promotion.
The rebuild at the King Power Stadium is now fully underway, with further announcements expected in the coming weeks.
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