This particular story is a confusing, slightly shocking and ultimately fascinating yarn. Although, if trusted Chelsea insider Simon Phillips is believable, this is not merely a myth, speculation or rumor - but the actual truth.
The setup
​Leicester City have been busy ridding themselves of unwanted players by releasing those with expired contracts and arranging necessary sales. In addition to that, Jannik Vestergaard's contract was terminated following inconsistent form; despite his contribution to the side that secured Premier League promotion under Enzo Maresca.
​The wages of high-earning individuals were simply too burdensome, as well as unjustifiable, for the Foxes to sustain. Meanwhile, attention at Filbert Way and the Seagrave Training centre shifted toward strategic incomings.
​Now that the club has balanced its books, recruitment has prioritised adding quality, albeit within a specific financial tier. The current strategy relies heavily on loans and free transfers to bolster the squad.
​Nevertheless, genuine gems and veteran experience remain accessible through these avenues. Conor Chaplin represents an ideal acquisition for Leicester following his departure from Ipswich Town.
​Chaplin is expected to provide exceptional service in the third-tier: supplying the assists, goals and raw passion that the Blue Army has arguably missed for several seasons, aside from the enduring presence of Jamie Vardy. The squad has seen only two primary acquisitions thus far.
​These additions are goalkeeper Alex McCarthy and the aforementioned Chaplin. Former England international Danny Ings is reportedly the third arrival forecast to join the fold in Leicestershire.
Why Alex McCarthy rejected Chelsea for Leicester City
​Regarding McCarthy, the veteran goalkeeper remains a widely respected figure. Despite experiencing mixed fortunes at Southampton, he represents a decent capture for a club competing in League One.
​McCarthy will almost certainly mount a serious challenge to Jakub Stolarczyk for the starting goalkeeping jersey. Stolarczyk, having endured an inconsistent campaign last term, now faces definite competition for his place.
​It has emerged that McCarthy was offered a role as a backup goalkeeper at Chelsea, yet he insisted on a move that would provide a possible path to being a No.1 choice. Consequently, Stolarczyk must now be acutely aware of his position.
NEW🚨
— Leicester Xtra (@XtraLeicester) July 15, 2026
Chelsea contacted Alex McCarthy to sound him out as a backup goalkeeper option for the squad, but he declined.
Alex McCarthy's preference is to become the starting goalkeeper at whichever team he joins.@siphillipssport
He is set to sign for #lcfc pic.twitter.com/ttxr6A5H01
​Blues supporters in West London may be surprised that a club currently three divisions below them secured one of their prospective targets. However, the situation becomes entirely logical when acknowledging that the player's primary motivation is to play competitive football.
​Such professional integrity is rarely seen in the modern game; it is refreshing to see a player prioritise minutes on the pitch over the allure of a prestigious top flight substitute bench. Good on McCarthy for this decision - it is a stance that commands genuine respect.
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