10 Leeds and Leicester players could who stay in Premier League amid relegation

29 May 2023 , 08:08

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Leeds and Leicester both suffered relegation on the final day of the Premier League season meaning they face summers of change.

The Foxes won their game against West Ham, but Everton's success over Bournemouth meant their three points were redundant. Leeds meanwhile went down without a fight, losing 4-1 to Tottenham as Elland Road turned toxic following a difficult season on and off the pitch.

Leicester in particular have a squad that looks fit for the top flight, hence their success of recent years. Leeds less so, but they still have several players who won't be content with life in the Championship and will pursue pastures new.

It is the same for the key men at the King Power Stadium with many no doubt weighing up their next moves. Some players opt to show loyalty and remain with a relegated side for at least a year, but for those whose stocks are on the rise departing is an inevitability.

We take a look at the men who will be looking to move on after their respective teams were relegated from the top flight.

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James Maddison

He may go down in the history books as among the best players to ever suffer relegation, but that is the situation Maddison finds himself in. Earlier this season he was on the plane to Qatar with England, such was the clamour for his inclusion. Now he faces a big decision - where next? He will likely be the most in demand man for all the relegated sides with top six outfits no doubt eyeing his signature, potentially at a bargain price.

James Maddison will be among those to leave Leicester (Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Rodrigo

Leeds' highest earner, ironically, produced his best season for the Whites in the year they go down. Signed upon their return to the top flight, Rodrigo has been inconsistent but came alive this term, although his goals were not enough to keep Leeds up. There will be interest in the forward from England as well as abroad but it suits both parties for the player to be moved on.

Harvey Barnes

The versatile star must've thought his goal may keep Leicester up, but it wasn't to be. Now the man who has been linked with some big clubs in the past is likely to consider his future with the Foxes capable of making a healthy profit on their academy graduate, who has been linked with Newcastle.

Harvey Barnes has been a standout for Leicester in recent years (Getty Images)

James Justin

His development has been hampered by a major injury but before that he was very much putting himself in the England picture, such were his performances. Justin remains a proven Premier League performer and, if he wants to continue progressing, may look to stay in the top flight.

Jack Harrison

Ironically the winger almost swapped Leeds for Leicester in January, so his fate will have been the same regardless. As it was a late u-turn saw him stay at Elland Road and pen a new deal, which no doubt included relegation clauses. Harrison greatly frustrated the Leeds fans - brilliant one minute, haphazard the next. Nevertheless there will be those who will pay a decent fee to take him.

Jack Harrison almost left Leeds in January (Malcolm Bryce/ProSports/REX/Shutterstock)

Wilfried Gnonto

One of the finds of the season, Leeds paid a minimal fee to sign the young Italian from FC Zurich. His energetic performances on the wing, particularly under Jesse Marsch, caught the attention with Gary Neville giving him huge praise. Gnonto may have time on his side due to his age, but his rising profile may make it tough for Leeds to keep hold of him.

Youri Tielemans

The Belgian's exit has long been expected after he decided to run down his contract. Tielemans raised some eyebrows when he signed permanently for the Foxes several years ago but he will now have his pick of where to go next after Leicester's relegation and is capable of performing for a top side.

Illan Meslier was dropped for the final weeks of Leeds' season (Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)

Illan Meslier

Despite conceding a shed load of goals, Meslier has been linked with some big clubs. The young Frenchman has been Leeds' No 1 throughout their time in the top flight and, given their shaky defence, has often been called upon with his shot stopping earning particular praise. He was dropped for the final weeks of the season and may now decide to seek an exit from Yorkshire.

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall

The midfielder has been a regular at the King Power and is likely to want to remain in the Premier League. Potentially not one of Leicester's most fashionable names, but Dewsbury-Hall has been ever consistent and, given a previous loan spell at Luton, links have emerged over a return following their promotion.

Kelechi Iheanacho

Leicester paid more than £20m to sign the Nigerian back in 2017 and he's proved himself in the top flight. Unlike Jamie Vardy, who is poised to stay, Iheanacho is likely to explore his options with the Foxes likely to recoup a fair chunk of the money they paid six years ago.