Top four: Players Leicester City could struggle to keep next summer

1 of 4

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 10: Demarai Gray and Riyad Mahrez of Leicester City speak ahead of the Premier League match between Manchester City and Leicester City at Etihad Stadium on February 10, 2018 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) /

Leicester City have developed a habit of turning unknown starlets into world-class players – but that hasn’t always helped their cause.

An instance of that would be losing N’Golo Kante to Chelsea a year after they discovered the French gem. Another instance would be losing Danny Drinkwater to the same side a year later.

They could’ve lost Riyad Mahrez, too – they probably still will – but for the moment, they have emerged victors in an ugly transfer battle.

Sadly, that may just be a minor preparation for what is to come in the summer, as the Algerian rebel isn’t the only player they’d have to fight to keep – yes, the list is longer than you might think.

Here’s a look at the four most wanted Leicester City players, who the Foxes would have to do a bit to protect from the forces that be:

Riyad Mahrez

The most obvious of names that spring to mind when you think of the potential departures from Leicester City next summer. Riyad Mahrez has really had enough of having to to come right back just when he thought he had finally managed to break free from the King Power Stadium – there’s no stopping him now.

Although unprofessional in his off-field doings, Mahrez has given yet more evidence of the the excellent footballer that he is. The 26-year old has nine goals and as many assists in 28 appearances across all competitions this season and looks good enough to end up somewhere near his tally of 18 goals and 10 assists in the 2015/16 season.

The numbers alone would tempt many more clubs to ruthlessly pursue him, let alone the magnificence behind them. Almost inevitably, he will leave.