Leicester City's goalkeeper department is looking slightly different ahead of the 2026/27 season, with familiar faces departing and fresh options arriving to fill the void. Fran Vieites, the almost forgotten signing from last summer, is yet to even make a competitive appearance for the East Midlands side, having been restricted solely to a role on the fringes of the senior setup.
Clearly Vieites has been added as a senior back-up option, as is the norm for decent-sized clubs, even when dwelling in the lower leagues. Next up is Jakub Stolarczyk; the Pole was previously a great prospect who became an acceptable first-team addition for a brief spell, offering glimpses of the potential that once made him such a highly-rated figure within LCFC's Academy ranks.
In reality, Stolarczyk quickly lost his way on Filbert Way: becoming unsteady, afraid to claim crosses and slow or reluctant to close down attackers, all of which are unacceptable yet understandable flaws for a stopper still finding his feet at this level. As a matter of fact, shot-stopping became the only trusty aspect of Stolarczyk's game - albeit an incredibly important one.
The 25-year-old (he is no longer young in the sport) will not suit new LCFC head coach Russell Martin's style of playing from the back at all: kicking is another problem area in the goalkeeper's repertoire, as this writer sees the situation. Stolarczyk's distribution falls well short of the standards required for Martin’s preferred system.
Asmir Begovic leaves Leicester City
If you were not yet aware, veteran 'keeper Asmir Begovic left the King Power outfit before the new season begins. Bringing to an end a one-year spell that proved more impactful than his modest appearance tally might suggest.
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— Mark McAdam (@markmcadamtv) July 25, 2026
Asmir Begovic has left Leicester City and intends to carry on his playing career with interest from Europe and the EFL.
The PL winner joined Leicester last summer making 12 appearances in all competitions; he was seen as a popular & influential player around the squad. pic.twitter.com/fWdveEjRRu
Begovic did himself justice at City; he was reportedly a well-liked and respected member of the team: offering dressing room counsel to younger colleagues, as well as filling in capably when called upon. Indeed, the Trebinje, Bosnia and Herzegovina-born athlete actually has interested parties now that he has departed Leicestershire, with suitors keen to secure his vast experience.
European sides, along with EFL Championship teams, are supposedly monitoring Begovic, and it is little surprise given he has featured in excess of 250 Premier League matches, and claimed a top flight title as Chelsea's understudy. To be fair, he is a good man to have on the roster for various reasons, offering leadership, stability and consistent performances whenever entrusted with the gloves.
In the meantime, the Foxes recruitment department have, seemingly wisely, acquired the services of Alex McCarthy, a player who arrives with attributes Martin demands from his goalkeepers. McCarthy played for Martin at Southampton and can, it seems, competently execute the system, reportedly rejected the advances of the Blues to join City; a move that raised eyebrows across the sport.
It is shocking but apparently true: the goalkeeper did not wish to warm the substitute bench, but rival his own GK Union for the No.1 jersey and play regular first-team football. Once again, Leicester utilised a free transfer to organise the capture of the 36-year-old, a shrewd piece of business that adds quality without impacting financial outlay.
It does not seem as though another 'keeper will arrive to strengthen the position. Leaving McCarthy, Stolarczyk and Vieites as the men charged with guarding the net when the new campaign gets underway.
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