Chris Wilder has emerged as a surprise contender to become the next Leicester City manager following his departure from Sheffield United.
The experienced boss is being considered for a swift return to the dugout as Leicester search for a replacement for Ruud van Nistelrooy.
Leicester Eye Wilder After Van Nistelrooy Exit
According to a report by SportsBoom, senior figures at the King Power Stadium are impressed by Wilder’s track record and believe he could guide the club back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.
Wilder, 57, left Bramall Lane last month following the club’s narrow play-off final defeat to Sunderland. Despite a strong campaign, Sheffield United’s hopes of promotion were ultimately dashed at Wembley after leading for much of the game. His exit came in the wake of a disagreement over recruitment policy, with new owners COH Sports keen to lean heavily on Artificial Intelligence in decision-making—something Wilder felt should never override human judgement.
Nevertheless, his promotion-winning CV remains one of the most impressive in the EFL, having previously taken the Blades from League One to the Premier League. That success has put him on Leicester’s radar as the club look to recover quickly from their shock relegation under van Nistelrooy, who lasted just six months in the role.
Sheffield Wednesday’s Danny Rohl is Also in the Frame
Leicester are known to be considering a range of candidates, including current Sheffield Wednesday manager Danny Rohl. The German has grown increasingly frustrated with the situation at Hillsborough and is understood to be open to a move. He has not yet returned to the club for pre-season, fuelling speculation that his future lies elsewhere.
Intriguingly, Rohl was on the receiving end of two derby defeats to Wilder’s Blades last season, and there are whispers that he views Leicester as a more stable environment in which to build. That said, the Foxes are believed to favour a manager with Championship experience—something Wilder has in abundance.
His previous flirtation with the top six, combined with a proven ability to build resilient, promotion-chasing sides, makes him a natural fit for a Leicester team desperate to bounce back at the first attempt.
Writer’s View
This would be a bold appointment from Leicester, but a logical one. Wilder’s name carries serious weight at Championship level, and his no-nonsense approach might be exactly what a fractured Leicester squad needs.
While the club has flirted with more continental managers in recent years, there’s a growing sense they need someone who knows the league inside out. If Wilder can be given the autonomy he lacked in his final weeks at Bramall Lane, he could thrive at the King Power. Whether that aligns with the club’s long-term vision remains to be seen, but few managers available can offer what he does.
