Leicester City have 10 players who will enter the final 12 months of their contracts at the end of June and so decisions on their futures are a priority.
If City foresee them having a long-term impact, then they ideally need to be signed up to a new deal sooner rather than later.
If City do not envisage them representing the club into the future, then they either have to sell them this summer or utilise them for one more season before letting them go on a free transfer.
City could hold off on a decision until next summer, giving themselves more time to assess the player’s influence and also to weigh up their own finances, but they have to accept the risk that other clubs could poach those players for nothing.
Here’s a rundown of the 10 players in question and what could happen next.
Jakub Stolarczyk
Of the 10 players here, Stolarczyk feels most likely to be the recipient of a contract offer.
If Mads Hermansen leaves, the Polish goalkeeper is a contender to be number one, but even if he remains as the deputy, he’s shown himself to be a capable back-up, even at Premier League level, and with the potential to get even better, aged just 24.
Ricardo Pereira
His agent has told Italian media he is seeking a “more attractive project”, and he finds one, it will be a blow to City. Ricardo is fan favourite and in his few appearances this season, he showed he can hit a level of quality few in the squad can.
But his continued injury troubles, which again plagued him this term, mean there would be doubts over the 31-year-old receiving a new deal.
James Justin
Justin is an interesting case. He was picked out by supporters for his early-season struggles but remained in the side and finished the campaign with more minutes than any other player. Only the final few months, he was also one of City’s more consistent performers.
Since the ACL and Achilles injuries in quick succession, it doesn’t feel like Justin has returned to the heights he reached in the 20-21 season, but he has avoided even minor injuries since then.
A versatile 27-year-old who can still play at a good level in the Premier League may be worthy of a new deal.
Luke Thomas
Even just three months ago it had seemed Thomas was destined for an exit. But he became City’s first-choice left-back in the final weeks of the campaign and fans appreciated the aggression and passion he showed.
It now feels like he is in a good spot to play regularly next season. But it feels like his future beyond that will be dependent on the club’s ambitions.
Conor Coady
Like Thomas, Coady had a strong run in the team towards the end of the campaign, and at the very least City’s defence was less calamitous with him at the heart of it than it had been previously.
With doubts around other centre-backs in the squad, it may be that City would hope Coady stays, partnering him with the less-experienced Ben Nelson. But Coady may have other ideas and want to play in the Premier League.
Plus, he will be 33 by the time his current contract ends and that may reduce City’s interest in an extension.
Boubakary Soumare
The last time City were relegated, Soumare went on loan to Sevilla and did well. Plus, he’s attracted interest from France in recent months.
It seems there should be enough suitors across Europe for at least one to put in a decent bid for the midfielder. It feels like his time at the club is up and a sale makes sense for all parties.
Harry Winks
If Ruud van Nistelrooy stays in charge, it’s difficult to see Winks remaining at the club. While still training with the first team, he was frozen out of the matchday squad for the final two months, and van Nistelrooy does not seem like he will alter his stance readily.
But even if there is a change at the helm, Winks may feel he belongs in the Premier League. At the top of his game, he’s more than good enough to play in the top flight, and at 29 he’s not at the age where clubs may be put off a transfer.
Wanya Marcal
Returning to the squad after a year away, Marcal didn’t pull up trees on loan in the Dutch second tier, although he was injured for a significant period.
While City dropping down into the Championship may have seemed like it would open up the possibility of Marcal getting a spot in the squad, the rise of Jeremy Monga and Jake Evans means the club are well-stocked for wingers.
That may mean Marcal goes out on loan again. But if he doesn’t sign a new deal beforehand, he’ll likely be set for a free transfer thereafter.
Jordan Ayew
Ayew suggested his future was open-ended as things stand. He could leave, he says, but he is happy at the King Power Stadium and just wants a club where he can play regularly.
That could be City. While the club spent £5m to sign him, it doesn’t feel like there will be many other clubs keen to pay for a forward who turns 34 in September.
In that case, it may be that he remains at the club until the end of his deal, especially with City light on options in central attacking midfield and up front.
Patson Daka
With Jamie Vardy gone, now would be the chance for Daka to make the striker spot his own. But he may not get that opportunity.
At 26, Daka should be a player City can still make money on, even with his struggles to replicate his goalscoring form from Salzburg.
There has been interest in the past from the likes of Bournemouth and AC Milan, but it might not be such high-profile teams who are keen on him now.
Which of these 10 players do you feel are worthy of new deals? Click HERE to have your say.
Get your special Jamie Vardy edition of the Leicester Mercury
Jamie Vardy souvenir edition of the Leicester Mercury
It was certainly a fairytale ending to Jamie Vardy's Leicester City career - netting his 200th goal in his final match for the club.
To celebrate, we are launching a this special edition of the Leicester Mercury where we look back at the striker's amazing career - his journey from non-league to England international, his greatest goals and where he stands in the Foxes' list of all-time greats.
We also revisit the trophy-winning campaigns - the 2021 FA Cup and, of course, the 2016 Premier League title.
And there are plenty of tributes from those who played with him, against him and worked with him.
Jamie Vardy, it's certainly been a party!
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