Conor Coady’s future at Leicester City is looking increasingly uncertain, with the experienced
centre-back heavily linked with a move to Scottish Premiership side Rangers in recent weeks.
The 32-year-old has been with the Foxes for 2 seasons, but whispers of a switch north of the
border have grown louder as he enters the final year of his current contract. Should Coady
depart the King Power this summer, Leicester will not only lose a vocal leader in the dressing
room but a composed distributor from the back that has guided them to promotion from
the Championship once before.
Replacing a player like Conor Coady is no easy task. He’s not just a centre-half – he’s a leader
and role model, someone who brings a calmness in possession. With Leicester operating
under tight financial constraints thanks to FFP, any replacement must not only be tactically
appropriate but also financially sensible. Below, we assess five realistic options that Leicester
City could target to fill the Coady void.
Victor Lindelöf (Free Agent)
Once a regular for Manchester United and Sweden, Lindelöf is available on a free transfer
this summer. At 30, he still has plenty to offer, especially at Championship level. His key
strength? Composure on the ball. With a 93.7% pass accuracy in the 2024/25 season,
Lindelöf is one of the most technically assured defenders on the market.
He reads the game well and has a passable aerial and duel success rate at 59.9% and 58.5% respectively. His Premier League pedigree and positional versatility make him an ideal Coady
replacement. He can seamlessly slot into a back four or act as the central pivot in a back
three. A short-term deal on moderate wages could represent superb value for Leicester as
the Swede is currently a free agent.
Kurt Zouma (Free Agent)
The second former Premier League defender on this list, Kurt Zouma is another free agent
option that has years of topflight experience at Chelsea, Stoke and West Ham. Now 30,
Zouma spent the 2024/25 season in Saudi Arabia but remains an imposing defender with
leadership qualities.
His aerial presence and aggression in duels would give Leicester a much needed edge
defensively in the much more physically demanding Championship. While his passing isn’t as
refined as Coady’s, his experience, strength and presence would make him an invaluable
asset in a promotion push.
Ardian Ismajli (Free Agent)
For those unfamiliar with Ismajli, the 28-year-old has quietly built a reputation as one of
Serie A’s more dependable centre-halves. Stylistically, he mirrors Coady in his calmness on
the ball and proactive defensive instincts. Ismajli is aggressive in duels, intelligent in his
positioning and capable of playing through the thirds under pressure.
He has recently announced the end of a four-year stint with Empoli and so is again currently
without a club. For Leicester, that presents the opportunity to secure a tactically disciplined,
physically capable defender ready to slot into a ball playing back line.
Lilian Brassier (Stade Rennais)
Brassier has been a standout in Ligue 1, and it’s a surprise he hasn’t already been snapped
up by a top club. The 25-year-old left footed centre back combines technical quality with
defensive steel. He has won a staggering 84.9% of his aerial duels in 2024/25, while also
maintaining a solid 86.97% pass accuracy.
Quick across the ground and intelligent in his positioning, Brassier is a more mobile option
than Coady and would add athleticism to Leicester’s back line. His profile also makes him a
great fit for a three man defence, offering balance on the left and helping progress the ball
with confidence. With Rennes reportedly open to offers, he could be an astute addition.
Replacing a character like Coady isn’t just about numbers, it’s about personality, presence
and fit. These four might not be carbon copies, but each could anchor Leicester’s defence in
their own distinct way. Let us know if you think Coady will go this summer, and who you
would replace him with in the comments below!
