Leicester City are preparing to significantly lower their wage bill by offloading defender Conor Coady, with Scottish giants Rangers reportedly interested.
The 32-year-old signed for the Foxes in a reported £7.5 million deal in 2023. This followed a season-long loan move to Everton from Wolverhampton Wanderers, although the Toffees deciding not to take up the option to buy clause in his temporary transfer.
Coady’s time in the East Midlands started slowly, and he made just 12 Championship appearances as Leicester secured an instant return to the Premier League. He did enjoy more time on the pitch last season under Ruud van Nistelrooy, starting each of the last 11 games. However, they were condemned to relegation once again.
Coady Set For Exit
Leicester’s financial woes have been well documented and it is well known that they may have to make sacrifices to compete in the transfer market this summer. The former Liverpool youngster is one of the highest earners at the club, with Capology stating he brings in £3,900,000 per year.
Coady has 12 months of his three-year deal remaining, with the 2016 English champions hoping to raise additional funds by sanctioning his exit. According to The Daily Record, Rangers are keen to bring the player to Ibrox after securing the transfers of ex-Leeds United loanee Joe Rothwell and Emmanuel Fernandez from Peterborough United.
It is claimed that Leicester are willing to do a deal despite not having a manager in place. They announced the departure of van Nistelrooy last week, bringing to an end months of speculation. Sean Dyche and Danny Rohl are currently the frontrunners to succeed the Dutchman.
In other news, Rangers are also hoping to tempt Coady’s former teammate Jamie Vardy north of the border. The veteran striker brought to an end his illustrious career at the King Power Stadium at the end of last season and is said to only be considering moves to a club where he would be a regular starter.
Writer’s View
Coady’s time in Leicester just hasn’t worked out. Once considered one of the best defenders in the country, his career as petered out at the King Power Stadium and it is clear he needs to move on to rediscover that sparkle. Rangers would be an ideal move for him, with it likely he would play regularly whilst challenging for major honours in a less demanding league. New boss Russell Martin looks to be building a squad capable of closing the gap in serial champions Celtic, and the centre-back may want to be a part of that project.
