A simulation predicts Leicester City will have an extraordinary summer transfer window in 2024.
Leicester City faces unusual circumstances as they plan their Premier League return without a manager. Enzo Maresca, who recently led the Foxes to the Championship title, was lured away by a lucrative offer from Chelsea. As a result, major decisions loom, especially with several key players nearing the end of their contracts.
The uncertainty extends to who will make these critical decisions and how Leicester will navigate the transfer market to re-establish themselves among English football’s elite. To get an idea of the future, we at 3AddedMinutes used Football Manager 2024 to simulate the upcoming months. The simulation began with the surprising appointment of former Chelsea and Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino.
Goalkeepers
Pochettino quickly made his mark on the squad, although he kept faith with Daniel Iversen and Mads Hermansen. He introduced a new competitor by spending £5m on Swiss goalkeeper Philipp Kohn from Monaco.
Pochettino’s goalkeeping options: Daniel Iversen, Philipp Kohn, Mads Hermansen.
Defenders
Pochettino significantly reshaped the defensive lineup, generating around £77m in sales. Full-backs James Justin and Ricardo Pereira moved to West Ham United and Bournemouth, respectively, for a combined £52m. Additionally, Wout Faes went to Southampton for £17m, Harry Souttar to Brentford for £5.5m, and Jannik Vestergaard to Norwich City for £3m. Pochettino brought in replacements swiftly, signing Almeria’s Cesar Montes for £17m, Monaco’s El Chadaille Bitshiabu for £7.5m, Gent’s Jordan Torunarigha, Sturm Graz’s Max Johnston, and Fulham’s Kevin Mbabu for a combined £16m.
Pochettino’s defensive options: Conor Coady, Cesar Montes, Ben Nelson, Luke Thomas, Kevin Mbabu, Max Johnston, Victor Kristensen, El Chadaille Bitshiabu, Jordan Torunarigha.
Midfielders
In midfield, Pochettino made two notable additions. The signing of Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White for £32m was particularly striking.
Genoa’s Morten Frendrup was acquired for £6m. Departures included Hamza Choudhury to Wolves for £13.5m, and both Wilfried Ndidi and Dennis Praet left on free transfers to Roma and Lille, respectively, after their contracts expired.
Pochettino’s midfield options: Morgan Gibbs-White, Morten Frendrup, Harry Winks, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Boubakary Soumare.
Forwards
There were also changes in the forward lineup. Kelechi Iheanacho moved to Burnley for £8m, and Jamie Vardy ended his Foxes career by transferring to MLS side LAFC on a free.
New arrivals included Brazilian striker Willian Jose for £2.5m from Real Betis, Lokomotiv Moscow winger Sergey Pinyaev for £10.5m, Rodrigo Riquelme from Atletico Madrid for £7.5m, and Swedish winger Pontus Almqvist on a free transfer from Rostov.
Pochettino’s forward options: Kasey McAteer, Stephy Mavididi, Sergey Pinyaev, Patson Daka, Tom Cannon, Rodrigo Riquelme, Pontus Almqvist, Willian Jose.
The simulation provides a glimpse into how Leicester City might approach their return to the Premier League, highlighting the potential impact of strategic signings and managerial decisions.