Leicester’s 14-in, 20-out overhaul, Russell Martin rebuild capped by late Louis Page drama | OneFootball

Leicester City executed a sweeping rebuild, signing 14 and moving out 20, their busiest summer since 2007. Russell Martin’s refresh concluded on a frantic deadline day and a 2-0 win over Plymouth Argyle.

Pre-season began without a signing, then on 16 July Conor Chaplin and Alex McCarthy arrived. According to LeicesterMercury.co.uk, McCarthy reunited with Martin and Chaplin chose City despite Championship interest.

Further deals matched Martin's demand that recruits be eager to join. Liam Cullen and Wes Burns signed, the latter for £75,000, while loans for Christian McFarlane, Tommy Watson and Harry Howell added depth. Leicester also moved for Admir Bristric and Ilari Kangasniemi.

Outgoings were just as stark. Several regulars left on frees, Jeremy Monga fetched a League One record £10m, rising by £2.5m, and Abdul Fatawu also generated a fee. Harry Winks joined Cagliari, with Tom Wilson-Brown, Nathan Opoku and Hamza Choudhury also departing.

Deadline day delivered four more additions across three priority positions and the Louis Page saga. Manchester United bid above the £12.5m Manchester City paid for Monga, including a season-long loan back and a sell-on clause. Named in the XI at 6.30pm, Page helped City beat Plymouth 2-0 and the move did not progress.

Martin said owner Aiyawatt Khun Top Srivaddhanaprabha rejected a very big offer after talks with him, Jon Rudkin and James McCarron. The final value was unclear, with figures between £15m and £23m mentioned, and he praised Page’s quality and his link with Sammy Braybrooke.

Source: LeicesterMercury.co.uk

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