2022/23 Season Preview: Leicester City

After an underwhelming season last year, Leicester will aim to bring back European football to the King Power Stadium.

The Foxes will be looking to put last season’s disappointment behind them as they prepare for the opening weekend of the 2022/23 Premier League season.

Last season 

Last season Rodgers’ side were eliminated from the Europa League in the Group Stage and found themselves playing in the Europa Conference League. The under-pressure manager led his side to the semi-finals of the competition, however, they were knocked out by eventual winners Roma. Their run to the semi-finals was one of the only positives of Leicester’s season last year.

However, there was more disappointment for the Foxes. Despite being the FA cup holders, Leicester were left embarrassed by Nottingham Forest. The East Midlands-based team fell to a 4-1 defeat and were eliminated in the fourth round of the FA cup. Although the Foxes spent the majority of last season in the bottom half of the table, they ended the season well and managed to climb to an eight-place finish.

Transfer market 

There is a sense of excitement heading into the new season, however, fans of the club have been left bewildered by the clubs’ lack of activity in the transfer market. Leicester are the only club in Europe’s top five major leagues yet to make a summer signing. Rodgers has spoken out on multiple occasions about the need to bring in players and improve the squad.

“My honest opinion is that the squad is not going to be the level I would have wanted.

“We have to do some business out before we can get players in, but hopefully we can improve the squad.”

There have been several departures from the club with the most notable being Kasper Schmeichel, who has joined Nice, putting an end to his 11-year stay at the club. It is unlikely that the Foxes bring in a replacement with Danny Ward already at the club. Instead, the club will likely use these funds to make a move for Monaco’s Sofiane Diop, who has been heavily linked with the club throughout the summer.

City could have a busy few weeks with many more departures expected. Youri Tielemans and James Maddison are attracting interest from the likes of Arsenal and Newcastle. While many clubs throughout Europe are closely monitoring the progress of 21-year-old Wesley Fofana.

One to watch 

Although there is a lot of negativity surrounding the club, Leicester have had a very successful pre-season. The East Midlands side are unbeaten in their last five pre-season games, beating Seville in their final friendly. Wesley Fofana and Dewsbury-Hall were particularly impressive in this fixture. However, pundits believe that James Maddison will be at the centre of Leicester’s resurgence next season.

Maddison has continued his fine form from last season and has caught the eye again during pre-season. The attacking midfielder registered 30 goal contributions last season in all contributions and created the most chances at the club. Leicester’s number 10 will be aiming to secure his side a European spot and also break into the England squad ahead of the winter World Cup.

The 25-year-old is set to reunite his partnership with veteran Jamie Vardy at the top end of the pitch. Vardy, who struggled last season with fitness issues, scored 15 Premier League goals last season and was the clubs’ top scorer. Vardy and Maddison play an instrumental role in this Leicester team and therefore it is imperative the club fight off interest for Maddison and keep Vardy fresh for important fixtures.

This season is huge for Leicester, as they will either make a resurgence and secure a European spot or continue to regress under Rodgers. Injuries to key players hurt the Foxes last season. Vardy, Fofana, Justin, Evans and Pereira all spent significant time on the sidelines with injuries.

While there has been a lack of activity in the transfer market, it is inevitable that they will make acquisitions to bolster their squad. When they have a fully fit squad the Foxes can go toe to toe with anyone in the league. For example, they took a point from Man United at Old Trafford and came away with all three points when they faced Liverpool last season.

Leicester will welcome Brentford to the King Power Stadium in their first fixture of the season.

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