Surprise champions Leicester City have struggled to build upon their illustrious season in the Premier League last term. Although their Champions League campaign has been magnificent, the Foxes are currently 14th in the top fight.
It was admirable that their title-winning squad stayed largely intact over the summer, with the exception of N’Golo Kante, to enjoy a historic Champions League campaign at the King Power Stadium, but it’s clear that a big exodus is likely to take place at the end of the season.
Leicester are unlikely to ever reach these sort of heights again, so it’s understandable that a lot of players will move on. For three players in particular, it’s crucial they leave the club in 2017 to fulfil their enormous potential.
Staying at Leicester could see their careers could start to move backwards, which isn’t a consequence any of the three players we’ve selected can afford to endure.
Danny Drinkwater
26-year-old Danny Drinkwater became an England international following his mesmerising performances last season and was unfortunate not be to included in the Three Lions’ squad for the European Championships. If he wants to make the World Cup squad in two years time, he has to move.
Big club bias is unfortunately something we have to deal with when England squads are made and with Leicester struggling to stay afloat this season, Drinkwater is in danger of slipping out of Three Lions contention.
England’s midfield is fiercely competitive, with Drinkwater fighting the likes of Adam Lallana, Jack Wilshere and Jordan Henderson for a place in the squad.
Riyad Mahrez
Last season’s PFA Player of the Year, 25-year-old Riyad Mahrez was a key-part of Leicester City’s title winning form. Naturally, a whole host of top clubs were circling in the summer but the Algerian decided to stay put – for now.
Come the end of the season, Mahrez’s signature will be fought for again and everybody expects the African ace to move on. He’s achieved all he can with the Foxes but can go a long way in the game, which makes it crucial that he seals an exit.
Jamie Vardy
The shining light and golden knight of Leicester’s title winning campaign, Jamie Vardy has struggled to build on last year’s performances and is another in real danger of slipping out of the England squad over the coming months.
Turning 30 in January, Vardy has one last chance to make his mark at a big club and needs to make that move next summer.
In hindsight, his decision to turn down Arsenal’s advances in the summer looks questionable as he’s yet to shine for Leicester this season. Whatever happens, he’ll go down as a legend for the Foxes – but he now needs to test himself at a higher level.
