Seven centre-backs Leicester City could sign after Russell Martin’s defensive issues laid bare | OneFootball

Leicester City's hunt for a centre-back is set to accelerate in the final days of the window after a 2-1 home defeat by Burton Albion laid bare their shortage.

After a late equaliser conceded at Notts County, City gifted Burton a two-goal lead inside 25 minutes, Matthew Dennis scoring before a Caleb Okoli error let Kgaogelo Chauke add another. LeicesterMercury.co.uk notes that only two senior centre-backs are available.

Ben Nelson is sidelined long term with a knee injury and Wout Faes was left out amid transfer interest. Russell Martin has prioritised the role, saying up to three or four arrivals are possible before the deadline, with loans ruled out.

Free agents Darragh Lenihan, 32, and Craig Dawson, 36, offer short-term experience, the latter out since leaving Wolves in 2025 and previously linked in a mooted Conor Coady swap.

Kortney Hause, 31, left Aston Villa in 2025 and has not played competitively since 2023, featuring in the Birmingham Senior Cup in April last year. Willy Boly featured in the Premier League last season and has been mentioned at West Ham, a move recently played down.

For longer-term upside, Sheffield United’s Mark McGuinness, 25, has started three games yet is still expected to leave, with Chris Wilder indicating he is not in his plans.

Rangers’ John Souttar, 29, has not featured this season and posted a 90.5% pass completion last term, having previously worked with Martin.

Colchester United’s Jack Tucker, thriving in League Two with an 82.8% pass rate, also ranks highly for defensive work and touches.

Source: LeicesterMercury.co.uk

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