Russell Martin eyes Leicester City debuts for three academy ‘new signings’ in rebuild | OneFootball

Russell Martin’s Leicester City rebuild could lean on the club’s academy, with three youngsters under consideration for senior debuts as City reset in League One.

Martin was confirmed on Monday evening on a three-year contract at the King Power Stadium. According to LeicesterMercury.co.uk, he inherits a bloated squad and a Category One pipeline that few League One rivals can match.

At Southampton, he blooded youngsters including Jay Robinson and Samuel Amo-Ameyaw. Leicester’s pathway has produced Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Harvey Barnes.

Striker Lorenz Hutchinson is among those pushing. He hit 15 in 15 for the Under-18s, added four goals and two assists in Premier League 2, and was named Academy Player of the Season. With Patson Daka and Jordan Ayew gone, and Jake Evans back from Northampton for assessment, Hutchinson will be closely watched in pre-season.

Midfielder Logan Briggs is also in the frame after six goals and eight assists in Premier League 2, having made the bench in the FA Cup win at Bournemouth last season.

Right wing-back Jayden Joseph, 20, impressed on loan at Tranmere Rovers and helped keep them in the Football League. Injuries curtailed his minutes but his return mattered, and Ricardo Pereira’s exit leaves an opening to compete with Aluko at right-back.

Pre-season uncertainty around transfers means opportunities are likely across four competitions, with the EFL Trophy ensuring a minimum of 51 matches. Promoting academy talent would play well with supporters after criticism that hurt Gary Rowett and Marti Cifuentes last season.

Source: LeicesterMercury.co.uk