What’s happening with Leicester City captain Jonny Evans?
Leicester City captain Jonny Evans’ contract expired on the 30th June, yet there is still no clarity on his situation. Here is what we know.
With the captains contract expired, the King Power club are awaiting to find out whether or not they will be selecting a new senior squad leader. Nevertheless, it is important to look at what we believe is happening with the Northern Irishman, and what options there are available.
Leicester City in contact
The Foxes once held the keys to Champion League football. A back line consisting of a Manchester United reject and a French prodigy. How things have transpired against us. Either way, one ended up leaving for pastures anew, the other a small part in a relegation campaign and is yet to renew his contract.
Enzo Maresca has since commented on the status of the Leicester captain, although the actual contents of the comment are a little lacklustre, and do nothing to actually improve our clarity:
"“It’s just as we said before, we are creating a squad. We have been in contact with him. We’ll see in the next weeks”"
What an interesting and useful statement: we are talking to Evans. Well, I would expect that, so perhaps an update on where the King Power club were at in the contract talks would be more potent for supporters. Honestly, I feel we have learned little new as the Italian head coach is trying to protect their transfer squad plans ahead of our critical EFL Championship season.
Decisions, decisions
Maresca has to make a choice, continue to wait and delay the appointment of a new captain until we see whether current club captain Evans does end up staying, or choose a new captain to lead the squad. Furthermore, Leicester City have to choose whether or not a large contract on an aging defender makes sense over the promotion of youth players like Lewis Brunt and Ben Nelson. Maybe even signing better players with the same quality as Connor Coady or Harry Winks.
Next. The 19 Leicester City players who’ve returned for preseason training. dark
Personally, I would not wait endlessly. If a player does not wish to be a part of the Championship squad, then the Foxes should prioritise a new long term captain as well as promoting youth players to fill the squad. After all, Connor Coady already fills one of those gaps we have. Hopefully Evans ends up staying, but I’m not worried either way.