Thursday, September 19, 2024

Leicester frustrated with promotion hero Enzo Maresca for jumping ship to Chelsea

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Abdul Fatawu, the winger, will complete a permanent move from Sporting for around £15.5 million.

There will be exits, however, and pressure to raise money through player sales before June 30 to avoid further sanctions.

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Harry Winks, Mads Hermansen and James Justin are the players most likely to be targeted by other clubs.

Mismanagement of player contracts was a huge concern when Leicester were relegated in 2023, and it remains a problem.

Wilfred Ndidi and Kelechi Iheanacho could both leave as free agents this month, and that is millions of pounds in assets walking away for nothing.

Youri Tielemans, Caglar Soyuncu, Jonny Evans and Nampalys Mendy, among others, did the same last year.

The looming threat of a hefty points deduction is undoubtedly the elephant in the room.

In March, Leicester were charged by the Premier League for breaches of the profitability and sustainability rules.

It also emerged that the EFL had failed to impose a business plan on Leicester amid concerns over their accounts.

Leicester announced pre-tax losses of nearly £90 million towards the end of the season.

The process over their existing charges is expected to accelerate this week, when Leicester officially become a Premier League club at the annual general meeting.

Leicester expected to vigorously defend itself against charges

An independent three-person commission will be put together. Senior figures at Leicester are pressing for any punishment to be imposed before the season starts.

The amount of points deducted will depend on how much Leicester have breached the permitted losses, and it is thought to be significant.

Along with the alleged breach in the 2022-23 season, when Leicester were last in the top division, the club was also charged with failing to submit their audited accounts.

Nick De Marco, the sports lawyer who represented Nottingham Forest in their recent case, has been appointed.

There have already been threats to sue both the Premier League and EFL, so Leicester are expected to mount a vigorous defence.

Despite the seemingly chaotic backdrop, Leicester are determined to stay calm and ensure preparations remain fully on course for the new season.

Relegation last year was the unexpected hammer blow, but they will return as Championship winners with 31 wins from 46 games.

Before that demotion, Leicester had won the title, an FA Cup and operated in the Champions League. The ambition for more magical memories in the future is the driving force.

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