Leicester City are facing a tough 2025/26 Championship season as they aim to quickly return to the Premier League, and EFL Analysis has taken a look at their most expensive sales ever.
The Foxes endured a difficult campaign last term, ending the Premier League season with relegation back to the Championship.
Boosted by their loyal fan base, the club will aim for a quick return to the Premier League this season, and they are already being discussed as contenders for promotion in early predictions for the 2025/26 Championship.
The King Power Stadium has seen some expensive transfers in Leicester City’s history, with some transfer business already having taken place as they look to reshape their squad and stick to financial regulations.
Ahead of the 2025/26 Championship campaign, we have taken a look into Leicester City’s six most expensive sales in club history, with all fees derived from Transfermarkt.
James Maddison of Leicester City gestures during the Premier League match between Leicester City and West Ham United at the King Power Stadium, Leicester on Sunday 28th May 2023.
Photo by James Holyoak/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Leicester City’s five most expensive sales ever in club history
5. James Maddison – Tottenham – £40.00m
James Maddison joined Leicester City from Norwich City in June 2018 for a fee reported to be around £20 million. He became a stalwart for Leicester, known for his passing range, set-piece delivery, and goalscoring from midfield.
He joined Tottenham Hotspur in June 2023. In his first season at Tottenham, he quickly became a crucial player, showcasing his attacking prowess and has mostly lived up to his price tag, becoming an integral part of their midfield.
4. Ben Chilwell – Chelsea – £45.18m/£50.00m
Ben Chilwell came through Leicester City’s academy, joining them in 2009. He made his senior debut for the Foxes in 2015 and quickly proved himself as a highly-rated attacking left-back.
His consistent performances for Leicester and England led to his move to Chelsea in a big-money deal in August 2020. At Chelsea, Chilwell initially enjoyed a strong start, including being a key part of their 2021 Champions League-winning squad.
However, his time has been hampered by a series of significant injuries, limiting his impact. He is still at Chelsea as of June 2025, although he had a recent loan spell at Crystal Palace in 2025.
Riyad Mahrez of Leicester City during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Leicester City at Selhurst Park, on April 28th, 2018
Photo by Plumb Images/Leicester City FC via Getty Images
3. Riyad Mahrez – Manchester City – £60.00m
Riyad Mahrez arrived at Leicester City from Le Havre in January 2014 for a mere £428,250. He was a key figure in Leicester’s fairy-tale Premier League title win in 2016, winning the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award that season.
His goalscoring ability made him one of the league’s most exciting players. His move to Manchester City in 2018 saw him join a team consistently challenging for trophies.
Mahrez has undoubtedly lived up to his price tag at City, winning multiple Premier League titles, FA Cups, League Cups, and the Champions League as part of a treble-winning side. He left Manchester City in July 2023 to join Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia.
2. Wesley Fofana – Chelsea – £70.00m/£72.36m
Wesley Fofana joined Leicester City from Saint-Étienne in October 2020 for a reported fee of up to £36.5 million, despite suffering a significant leg injury during a pre-season friendly in 2021.
His impressive performances for Leicester, including winning the FA Cup, caught the eye of Chelsea. His time at Chelsea has been troubled by injuries, significantly limiting his appearances. While his talent is undeniable, he has not yet consistently lived up to his hefty price tag due to persistent fitness issues.
Harry Maguire of Leicester looks on during the Pre-Season Friendly match between Stoke City and Leicester City at the Bet365 Stadium on July 27, 2019
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
1. Harry Maguire – Manchester United – £80.00m
Harry Maguire arrived at Leicester City from Hull City in June 2017 for an initial fee of £12 million. He quickly established himself as a key defender.
After an impressive 2018 World Cup with England, his stock rose considerably. Manchester United pursued him, eventually paying a world-record fee for a defender. At Manchester United, he has had a rollercoaster spell. He was made captain, but has also faced criticism for his performances and had the captaincy stripped.
He is still with Manchester United as of June 2025, and while he’s had periods of good form, the monumental price tag has often invited intense scrutiny.