In 2020/21, Leicester City made yet more history by securing their first FA Cup win. After seeing many highs and lows as a squad, we look at where they are now?
A squad crafted by Brendan Rodgers, which saw the heights of European football at the King Power Stadium. After the disappointment of the 2022/23 season, much of the quality of the squad has now left the East Midlands outfit. This side is often underrated due to the lack of depth and coming up short when it counted. But given the circumstances, this was a massive achievement.
Kasper Schmeichel
The Foxes’ number one and leader, Kasper Schmeichel played a pivotal part in the eventual glory. The keeper put on a stunning performance in the final, making multiple stunning saves to keep a clean sheet. He would then move on to Nice ahead of the 2022/23 season; a decision which would heavily cost the club. After the season in France, his contract would be terminated, leading to a move to Anderlecht.
Wesley Fofana
As one of the most talented young centre back’s in the world, Wesley Fofana was bound to attract the biggest clubs in Europe. As a result of his performances, he would land a major deal with Chelsea worth around £70 million. However, injuries would play a massive part in his career in the capital, similar to his spell with the Foxes.
The 23-year-old has appeared just 15 times for the Blues, providing clear evidence of his poor injury record still haunting his career.
Jonny Evans
After some decent seasons in the Premier League, Jonny Evans has proved to be a reliable option. The Northern Irishmen played an important role in the cup run despite his early injury in the final.
Evans would feature in Brendan Rodgers’ relegation season, albeit with multiple injuries. After the poor season, the 36-year-old would find a move to boyhood club Manchester United. With the expectation of little to no minutes, he would be called upon over 20 times due to an injury crisis for the Red Devils.
Caglar Söyüncü
Due to the departure of Harry Maguire, Caglar Söyüncü would become a starter for Brendan Rodgers in the 2019/20 campaign. However, after excelling throughout his tenure at the Foxes, the manager would phase him out towards the end.
This led to him being released and joining Spanish giants Atletico Madrid. He would only feature nine times for Diego Simeone before a loan move to Fenerbahce, where he currently resides.
Timothy Castagne
Another departing figure from the horrendous relegation season. Castagne would find a move to Marco Silva’s Fulham, where he would play a significant role.
At Leicester, the Belgium international was mainly used as depth with his ability to play left and right full-back. However, he has become an integral part of Silva’s side this campaign.
Luke Thomas
Academy graduate, Luke Thomas broke into the first team through a string of great performances due to injuries to Ricardo Pereira and James Justin. Once the pair were back, Thomas would fail to impress new manager Enzo Maresca.
He would move on loan to Sheffield United and then Middlesbrough in the 2023/24 season, finding it tough to gain game time.
Wilfred Ndidi
After staying at Leicester, the defensive midfielder would see a more attacking role in the new system, showing his qualities. After gaining promotion to the Premier League, the Nigerian’s contract is set to expire.
With his future undecided and many clubs interested, his eight-year stint at the club could be coming to an end.
Youri Tielemans
The man who won the FA Cup with his stunning shot from range. Youri Tielemans was the figurehead of this Leicester side, playing a significant role in their success.
WOW.
Top bins from Tielemans 💥#EmiratesFACup @LCFC pic.twitter.com/LUon4q0nEW
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) May 15, 2021
After his contract expired at the end of the 2022/23 campaign, he would find a move to Aston Villa. Under Unai Emery, Tielemans would play Europa Conference League Football and earn a top-four finish.
Ayoze Pérez
Spanish international Ayoze Pérez would find his move to Real Betis following relegation. The 30-year-old showed glimpses of talent with his hat-trick against Southampton in a 9-0 victory but often lacked consistency.
Now in La Liga, he has played a significant role on the wing in a successful season, as Betis finished seventh. This had also led to interest from Barcelona, exemplifying his good season.
Jamie Vardy
Leicester City legend and goal scorer Jamie Vardy followed on from his Golden Boot-winning season with a strong campaign. In a two-striker setup, he was able to find more assists to add to his strong goal tally.
Since then the Englishmen has continued to play at the top of his game and silence the doubters. After guiding his beloved club up, Vardy will look to finish his career at the highest level.
Kelechi Iheanacho
This season saw Iheanacho in his best form as he won the Premier League Player Of The Month in March, this coupled with his joint top scorer performances in the FA Cup.
Unfortunately, he wouldn’t reach these heights again and looks to end his tenure for the East Midlands outfit. With his contract ending and Champions League competitors Aston Villa showing interest, the short move to the West Midlands could be on the cards.
Conclusion
Overall, this season epitomised the talent of this squad under Brendan Rodgers, but how did it go so wrong?
There is a distinct amount of quality in the eleven with brilliant talents like Barnes and Maddison also being present. There is evidence to suggest this due the moves a lot of these players have made. European football and fighting for league titles is their standard and Leicester couldn’t guarantee that.
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