Things are gearing up for a new season at King Power Stadium, as the saying goes in the East Midlands. In truth, offseason preparations are now firmly underway for a comprehensive and successful preseason programme.
​Russell Martin has already demonstrated a dedicated and organised approach to his managerial responsibilities. Even this writer's occasionally venomous pen has been sheathed regarding the former Southampton and Rangers boss, at least for the time being.
The ex-Scotland international must be afforded the duration of the summer and a reasonable sequence of competitive matches before critics direct their ire toward CFO Jon Rudkin and chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha for what some might label an ill-advised appointment. To be totally candid, it remains a distinct possibility that Martin will prove successful in the EFL Championship, even if his long-term suitability for a potential Premier League return remains an open question.
Regarding current arrangements, the club has finalised friendly fixtures against Northampton Town, Bristol Rovers and Burton Albion. Details can be accessed here.
The new manager is reportedly prioritising midfield reinforcements, with ex-Ipswich Town attacking playmaker Conor Chaplin identified as a primary target. Rumours suggest the diminutive No.10 may have already finalised terms with the Leicestershire outfit.
Furthermore, Martin is actively seeking a defensive midfield anchor; Ryan Wintle has emerged as a concrete possibility for a move to Filbert Way. Both individuals are currently available as free agents, providing a cost-effective solution for the club's ongoing recruitment strategy.
Leicester City must now accelerate the process of offloading peripheral squad members while simultaneously restocking the ranks. This necessity is driven by a combination of financial considerations and the looming commencement of preseason training.
Preseason training offers Leicester City starlets chances
As Leicester Mercury's Josh Holland (a former Foxes of Leicester contributor) aptly noted, the doors to the Seagrave training facility will officially open this coming Monday. Despite the distractions of an ongoing international tournament and a persistent nationwide heatwave, Martin appears intent on getting down to business immediately; such professional diligence will be met with early approval from the Blue Army.
"Russell Martin has brought a core group of 13 Leicester City players back early for an extra block of pre-season training."
A trio of promising youth prospects have also been highlighted as having a genuine opportunity to stake a claim for a place in the senior squad. As they are not currently representing their respective national youth sides, Louis Page, Jake Evans and Jayden Joseph are uniquely positioned to impress the new boss during the initial training phase.
Doors will open at Seagrave for pre-season on Monday and many players have been putting in the work during the off-season.
— Josh Holland (@joshhollandLCFC) June 27, 2026
Likes of Page, Evans & Joseph return hoping to become first team regulars. #LCFC https://t.co/YSPk6dKIm1
Other talents will similarly be aiming to break through and secure further first-team opportunities. They include Sammy Braybrooke, Bade Aluko and Lorenz Hutchinson.
Add us as a preferred source on Google