OUTFOXED? – What Are Leicester Up To?

Leicester have had what one could call a rollercoaster pre-season – manager Amandine Miquel was sacked in August just 10 days before the season began, with Matt Beard being the desired replacement, having left Burnley after only 68 days. Dakota Johnson looks into what’s occurring.

However, as of writing Leicester still don’t have their man, and Rick Passmoor will lead them out this weekend against Manchester United. Potentially waiting until Beard finishes his “gardening leave”, Passmoor will have to work hard with the squad to get points on the table before a permanent manager is confirmed, as this looks to be a difficult first few weeks for the foxes.

So – not much to say about what tactics we can expect to see from the coach as of yet. Will we get a surprise? Or is it more likely that Leicester’s early priorities will revolve around conceding as few goals as possible? Their opening game against Man Utd may not give us many answers, considering the quality of the opposition, but in coming weeks we’ll hopeful get a better understanding. 

Transfers in: Emily van Egmond, Cecily Wellesley-Smith, Celeste Boureille, Katie Keane, Heather Payne, Olivia McLoughlin, Rosella Ayane.

In terms of incomings, there have been a handful. Midfielder Olivia McLoughlin has come across the border from Rangers, having previously been at Villa. Moroccan international Rosella Ayane joins after some time with Spurs. American Celeste Boureille has joined from Montpellier, and the midfielder will provide some experience to a team that has lost a lot this window. Also joining the Foxes is young goalkeeper Katie Keane from Shamrock Rovers. The 18-year-old could prove to be a big signing in the long term – at 16 she was called up to the Ireland senior squad. She will be competing with current first choice goalkeeper Janina Leitzig (above, left), who also has played for Bayern Munich, and won Leicester’s player of the season in 2023. Keane will learn a lot from training alongside her, even if she doesn’t get much game time straight away. 

Australia international Emily van Egmond has made the move to Leicester, after joining WSL2 side Birmingham City in January. Having spent most of her career in America and Australia (with a spell in Germany) she does come with some previous in the WSL, having spent a season at West Ham. Her signing makes sense, van Egmond has had a long career and is somewhat of a “journey(wo)man”, so will bring significant experience after a summer where the Foxes have haemorrhaged most of what they already had.

England youth player Cecily Wellesley-Smith has also joined – on loan from Arsenal – in a move that perhaps makes more sense for the player and her parent club than Leicester, but if she can impress early in the season she may end up being a smart move.

Outlook: Unlike most of their competitors that have strengthened, Leicester seem to have lost a lot of experience in the team this summer. Forward Yuka Momiki has joined Everton, whilst German born Scottish defender Sophie Howard, who was key for them last season, has joined Serie A side FC Como.

Ruby Mace has joined Momiki at Everton, who broke their own transfer record to secure her signature. Losing the 21-year-old is a blow; both to the team and for commercial reasons – having a Lioness in the team is great for marketing, and attracting fans. 

Missy Goodwin has remained at the club, and the Foxes will be grateful to have kept hold of the young forward, who has represented England at youth levels. Both the Foxes and Goodwin will be hoping she scores more than last year – given the departures in both attack and defense, someone will need to keep them ticking over, and this could be Goodwin’ chance to shine. 

Given the difficult pre-season, and lack of clear forward plan, this could be a difficult season for Leicester. The run up into Christmas will be key for whether or not they will survive the drop come May, as the games come thick and fast, and without a manager and several key players gone, they could see themselves falling behind the pack very quickly.

And yet if they can band together and keep their heads above water until then, with a break in January and a chance for the owners to strengthen the team, all might not be lost. Those who have remained are committed to the project and will undoubtedly give their all to keep the Foxes in the league, whilst having a permanent coach (no matter who this ends up being) will also be a huge boost and stabiliser.

Will Finish: 11th