Leicester City close to signing Will Smallbone as Russell Martin eyes reunion | OneFootball

Leicester City are close to signing former Southampton midfielder Will Smallbone. The 26-year-old has been without a club since his Saints contract expired in the summer. He is set to become Russell Martin’s 15th signing at King Power Stadium.

The Telegraph reports he will sign a three-year contract. After working with Martin at Southampton and helping win promotion to the Premier League in 2024, the pair would be reunited at City.

The Republic of Ireland international spent last season on loan at Millwall, making 10 appearances in all competitions. He had Championship interest, including from Sheffield United, but is now set to join John Lundstram in strengthening Martin’s midfield.

Under Martin in 2023/24 at Southampton, Smallbone played 50 times across all competitions, scoring seven and supplying four assists.

His career has included significant injuries, notably an anterior cruciate ligament injury at Leicester in January 2021. Hamstring and calf problems followed, with the former sidelining him for months during his Millwall spell.

Martin has previously lauded Smallbone’s selfless running, growing aggression out of possession and influence on team-mates during the run to the play-off final, while stressing he must kick on again.

Source: LeicesterMercury.co.uk

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