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Leicester City: Who should the FA Cup winners keep or sell this summer?

ByLouis Pantziarka|
Leicester City teammates celebrate (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Leicester City teammates celebrate (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Congratulations Leicester City. FA Cup champions, fantastic owners, a young, talented squad and an elite British manager in Brendan Rodgers.

The Foxes are in pole position to secure third place and the Champions League qualification. They have now added silverware to what has already been a brilliant season following their FA Cup triumph. Yet their history tells us that one of their superstars could be leaving the club this summer.

Last year important figure Ben Chilwell became the latest Leicester City player to leave in search of greater things, swapping the King Power for the King’s Road.

Since their historic title-winning campaign, the Foxes have sold a key player every year. Chilwell is joined on that list by Harry Maguire, Riyad Mahrez, N’Golo Kante and Danny Drinkwater. But who will it be this year?

Could it be Youri Tielemans?

The first name on the list is a no-brainer. He was already the club’s standout player this season before he netted a screamer to win Leicester’s first FA Cup final. That achievement will only have increased his value.

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The Belgian maestro has played deeper this year, often partnering the powerful Wilfried N’Didi in the heart of the Leicester midfield.

Despite the extra defensive responsibilities that role brings, FB Ref shows that he’s been directly involved in ten Premier League goals (six goals and four assists) this season.

There’s no doubting Tielemans’ influence on his side, but infamous football journalist Fabrizio Romano has reported that the club are currently negotiating a new contract for him. He might therefore be a more difficult target.

But what about his midfield mate N’Didi?

Since joining the club in 2017, Wilfried N’Didi has consistently made more tackles and interceptions than any of his teammates. He also often ranks top of the league in that department.

Originally signed as a replacement for Chelsea bound N’Golo Kante, N’Didi has proven himself as one of the best defensive midfielders in the country.

With Liverpool often needing to play Fabinho in defence and Manchester City’s Fernandinho nearing retirement age, he would be a smart signing for the elite clubs.

Perhaps with this in mind, Leicester are in advanced talks with Lille’s impressive Boubakary Soumaré. His arrival could easily signal the end of N’Didi’s Leicester career.

How about Fofana?

It’s easy to forget that Wesley Fofana is only 20 years old and was signed from the French side Saint-Etienne just last summer. And yet he already performs as if he’s been a Premier League player for years.

With Fofana in defence Leicester have conceded just 28 league goals this season, with his positioning and physical presence clear for all to see.

Leicester are keen to hold onto him, so he may stick around for another year, but don’t be surprised if he’s snapped up by a European powerhouse next summer.

Any other Leicester players?

Make no mistake, Leicester have had a fantastic season. Harvey Barnes, James Maddison and Kelechi Iheanacho are just a few of the other names that could realistically be targeted by bigger clubs. But would they want to leave?

When the dust settles at the end of the season, Leicester’s players may compare their campaign to the so-called Big Six with some pride.

The King Power is a great place to be at the moment, so would a club like Arsenal, Tottenham or Man United really be that attractive?

Signing young, high-potential players and then selling them on is the model that has brought success to Leicester City, so there is no reason to believe that winning the FA Cup will change how they operate.

The difference this year may be that their players don’t want to leave. Only time will tell.

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