Leicester confirm 16 departures as rebuild begins, three more could follow | OneFootball

Leicester City will part company with 16 players this summer, and three more could follow as the club begins a rebuild after relegation to League One. Ricardo Pereira’s eight-year spell was confirmed to be ending before the 2025/26 season finished.

Jordan Ayew leaves after scoring 12 in 80. Patson Daka, a £22m signing in 2021, departs with 29 from 165. Jamaal Lascelles and Wanya Marcal are going, while Asmir Begovic remains in talks over a short-term extension.

Jordan James, Aaron Ramsey, Joe Aribo, Dujuan Richards and Divine Mukasa have returned to parent clubs after loans. Academy products Chris Popov, Jake Donohue, Jahmari Lindsay, Alfie Fisken, Toby Onanaye and Olaoluwa Omobolaji are also leaving. City thanked the departing players and wished them well for the future.

Russell Martin is expected to shape further exits for 2026/27. Several squad members have been linked with moves and three early-window departures are possible.

Victor Kristiansen is certain to find a new club. Panathinaikos made a loan bid that was rejected, LeicestershireLive reported. He featured six times last season and has two years left on his deal.

Abdul Fatawu has attracted West Ham, Everton, RB Leipzig and Besiktas. Milliyet claims City were considering a Besiktas loan with an option to buy, and if that is rejected the Turkish club would return with a €15m, £13.9m, offer. After 17 goal contributions in the Championship, an exit now looks incredibly likely.

Caleb Okoli has been heavily linked with a return to Italy, with Fiorentina understood to be keen. At 24, the centre-back will need top-flight football if he is to push for Italy selection at Euro 2028, should they qualify.

Source: LeicesterMercury.co.uk