leicester city, Leicester City talent is benefitting from failed Manchester United move as he stars in League One
Photo by Pottercomuneo, via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Leicester City starlet Louis Page is impressing in League One after his summer move to Manchester United failed to materialise.
Leicester City have endured a difficult period following successive relegations, but the emergence of Louis Page offers the Foxes a reason for optimism. The 18-year-old midfielder has become a regular starter for LCFC in League One, showcasing the talent that attracted interest during the summer.
Russell Martin’s side are rebuilding at the 3rd tier, and Page is playing an increasingly important role in that process. With three assists from his opening nine league appearances, he is demonstrating that regular senior football can be far more valuable than an early move to the Premier League.
leicester city, Leicester City talent is benefitting from failed Manchester United move as he stars in League One
Photo by Pottercomuneo, via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Manchester United were prepared to offer between £10m and £15m for the academy graduate, while Arsenal also expressed interest. However, Leicester rejected the approaches, ensuring Page remained at the King Power Stadium with his contract running until 2029.
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Louis Page is getting the minutes he would have struggled to find elsewhere
It is easy to understand why Page attracted attention from the elite. He was named Leicester’s Academy Player of the Season for 2024/25 before earning Championship Apprentice of the Season honours in 2025/26.
His senior breakthrough last season, which included 21 first-team appearances, further underlined his potential. However, moving to Old Trafford or the Emirates Stadium would have presented a very different challenge.
Games Goals Assists
33 0 4
Breaking into an established midfield at either club would have been difficult, potentially leaving Page restricted to substitute appearances, cup outings or under-21 football. Instead, he is starting regularly for Martin and accumulating the experience required to develop his game.
His two assists in Leicester’s 4-3 victory over Stockport County highlighted his creative ability, while his contribution to the 2-0 win against Plymouth provided further evidence of his influence. His underlying numbers are encouraging, too.
According to FotMob, Page has completed 87.3 per cent of his passes, created 14 chances and ranked in the 95th percentile for both touches and chances created among midfielders. Those figures suggest a player who is comfortable taking responsibility in possession and helping his team progress up the pitch.
Leicester City have made the right decision
Page is not yet the finished article. His aerial numbers and defensive contributions show there are areas to improve, particularly if he eventually wants to operate consistently at Premier League level.
That is precisely why remaining at Leicester makes sense. Under Martin, he has the opportunity to learn through regular competitive football, develop physically and tactically, and build confidence without the immediate pressure of performing for a Champions League contender.
The manager’s faith, including handing Page the captain’s armband on one occasion, demonstrates how highly he is regarded. Rather than becoming another promising youngster waiting for an opportunity at an elite club, he is already making a difference.
Manchester United and Arsenal’s interest confirmed Page’s potential, but Leicester’s refusal to sell may ultimately prove more beneficial than any transfer fee. If he continues to develop at this rate, the Foxes could have a first-team star for years to come.