Russell Martin has already explained exactly why Leicester City want Will Smallbone | OneFootball

Will Smallbone is set to join Leicester City on a three-year deal, reuniting with Russell Martin. The 26-year-old would be the fifth signing to have previously worked with the head coach.

The Republic of Ireland midfielder has been a free agent since leaving Southampton in the summer, after a season on loan with Championship side Millwall. He had tentative links to Sheffield United and Cardiff City, yet now looks poised to move to League One in what would be a statement addition.

Smallbone and Martin were together at Southampton, where the midfielder made 50 appearances in 2023/24 and helped secure promotion to the Premier League. Since taking charge in June, Martin has also brought in Alex McCarthy, now City’s No.1, Liam Cullen, Franco Ravizzoli and Kamari Doyle.

"The manager is very big on being brave and staying brave and playing way," he said. "I think we've done that through the majority of the season and that's why we're in the situation that we're in." The Mirror carried the interview in April 2024.

Like Cullen, McCarthy, Tommy Watson and Warren O'Hora, Smallbone has praised Martin’s methods and principles.

In May 2024, after Southampton reached the play-off final, Martin highlighted Smallbone’s importance, calling him selfless, relentless in his running and increasingly aggressive out of possession. He said the fans sang Smallbone’s name, that he is highly valued by team-mates and already a standout performer.

Source: LeicesterMercury.co.uk

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