Leicester City have agreed a deal worth around £10m to sell versatile defender James Justin to Leeds United, according to reporter Mike McGrath.
Leicester City braced themselves for a testing summer following their relegation from the Premier League. The club took time before appointing Marti Cifuentes as Ruud van Nistelrooy’s permanent successor, and the Spaniard is still waiting for substantial backing in the transfer market.
So far, veteran goalkeeper Asmir Begovic remains the sole arrival, joining on a free transfer, while uncertainty surrounding a potential points deduction continues to loom over the King Power Stadium.
LCFC - Leicester City boss Marti Cifuentes and assistant Xavi Calm
Image courtesy of: ANDREW BOYERS/REUTERS.
Further departures are also expected after the exits of Mads Hermansen and Kasey McAteer, with Bilal El Khannouss and Abdul Fatawu among those attracting significant interest.
Now reports suggest that James Justin will be the next man to leave the Foxes. According to reporter Mike McGrath, Premier League Leeds United have agreed a fee to sign the Leicester City full-back.
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Daniel Farke’s side will pay up to £10m for the defender. It is believed that LCFC will receive £8m up-front with a further £2m in add-ons.
Personal terms are not yet agreed between Justin and Leeds United, but they will not be an issue. He will be the 6th member of last season’s first team squad to leave LCFC, and he likely will not be the last, amid reports of Wout Faes having European interest.
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Yet another long-term servant gone for Leicester City
After breaking through at Luton Town, James Justin was snapped up by Leicester City in 2019. Seen as a rising talent, he arrived as a versatile option capable of operating on either flank, whether at wing-back or full-back.
leicester city, Leeds United agree £10m fee for Leicester City defender
Image courtesy of: CARL RECINE/REUTERS.
The 2024/25 season proved a challenging one, not just for Justin but for Leicester as a whole. Still, his consistency and adaptability remain well-regarded, having even earned him an England cap in 2022. He has long been recognised as a dependable Premier League-level player.
He is set to follow the likes of Wilfried Ndidi, Jamie Vardy and Conor Coady in leaving the club. A huge hole will be left in the LCFC dressing room for Cifuentes to fill.
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James Justin’s career stats by club via Transfermarkt
Finally time for incomings at Leicester City
With yet another impending departure at Leicester City, Cifuentes will no doubt be frustrated. If he does not bring some players in, this season could be a struggle.
Moves are beginning to be made by the Foxes. A forward is clearly the priority amid links to Idrissa Gueye and Mihailo Ivanovic.
Any incomings would likely be on loan for LCFC. However, they could include buy options in those loans.
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