JibrinLeicester City’s striker recruitment failure a key catalyst in disastrous campaign: Opinion
Leicester City are battling for Championship survival, but amid deficiencies across the squad, the striker department may be the most accountable.
Leicester City have endured a disastrous 2025/26 season, with their struggles at striker emerging as a major concern.
Leicester City currently sit 22nd in the Championship as uncertainty over their fate next season continues. Should the Foxes face relegation, it would be a disappointing outcome for many in football, 10 years after their memorable Premier League title triumph.
LCFC have underperformed in multiple areas of the pitch this season, leaving themselves in this precarious position. One of the primary problem areas for the Foxes has been up front, where they have delivered far below expectations in front of goal.
Jordan Ayew and Patson Daka have been the main figures relied upon for goalscoring for Leicester City this season. However, they have only contributed eight goals collectively, fewer than top scorer Jordan James, who has netted nine in total.
Leicester City struggles down to poor recruitment or underperforming players?
Although both Ayew and Daka have featured for Leicester City in the Premier League, neither possesses a proven goalscoring record, nor have they served as a leading figure for their side. Furthermore, Ayew in particular has been deployed in various positions throughout his career, including both wings.
Consequently, the Foxes entered the season with a glaring weakness that went unaddressed. When they should have pursued an experienced Championship striker with a known track record, they instead chose to sign Julian Carranza from Feyenoord, whose tenure is characterized by the early termination of his loan in January.
LCFC have now been penalized with a points deduction due to violations of the EFL’s profit and sustainability regulations.
Their ongoing financial difficulties will affect their capacity to reinforce the striker position effectively. They missed the opportunity to secure the striker who could have delivered a far stronger campaign, and are unlikely to attract such a player this winter.
What will Leicester City do this summer?
Both Daka and Ayew are out of contract in the summer. It would come as a major surprise if LCFC offered them extensions, meaning there will be space for changes up front.
Following the points deduction, it is improbable that the Foxes will make a significant investment on a striker, and they will likely have to settle for a cost-effective, experienced option to alter their fortunes.
Although this may not trigger the revival in front of goal Leicester City require, it would take only a modest improvement to strengthen their current options. A player capable of offering more presence up front can at least involve others in the game and stimulate improvements elsewhere.
Should City suffer relegation, however, anticipate a total exodus. Abdul Fatawu is among those already in demand, and funds from departures could support a rebuild if disaster strikes and the former Premier League champions descend to League One.
Jibrin
