Leicester City are cantering towards promotion back to the Premier League but they’ll need to turn their attention to contract decisions soon.
Leicester are embroiled in a Championship title scrap with Ipswich Town.
Enzo Maresca’s side have led the way for the majority of the season and are currently three points above the Tractor Boys.
At the end of November, Leicester drew at Sheffield Wednesday and their cushion inside the automatic promotion places was reduced to eight points, a fall from 14 at the start of the month.
Now, after recording four straight victories, Maresca’s side enter the midpoint of the campaign 13 points clear of third place Leeds United.
While the Foxes are in a strong position for promotion, January presents fresh dilemmas, particularly in the transfers and contracts department.
At the start of 2024, Leicester have eight players who will enter the last six months of their deals and there are some vital players among them.
Which Leicester City players are out of contract in 2024?
Wilfried Ndidi has been regularly linked with a move away from the King Power Stadium and the club now have a big decision to make over his future.
Despite becoming a vital part of Maresca’s midfield having weighed in with two goals and five assists this term, the Nigerian sees his contract expire in 2024.
Leicester will be keen to secure his future beyond next summer unless a sizeable bid comes in for him.
Kelechi Iheanacho finds himself in a similar position. The former Manchester City striker attracted European interest in the summer but remained at the club.
If an offer for the Nigerian is presented on the table in January, they could be tempted to cash in.
He’s only scored ten goals in the calendar year and the Foxes will need someone more prolific should they win promotion to the top flight.
One player whom Leicester will surely prioritise a deal for is Jannik Vestergaard. The Danish goliath has transformed his career under Maresca and helped form the strongest defence in the division.
Whilst Vestegaard is a player they’ll want to tie down, veterans Alex Smithies and Marc Albrighton could finally depart the club next year having rarely featured this term.
Albrighton was instrumental in the club’s title-winning campaign in 2016 and could bid farewell after nine years in 2024.
Likewise, Wayne Marcal and Dennis Praet – who have also been on the fringes under Maresca – will likely leave in January or on a free transfer in the summer.
Leicester legend Jamie Vardy is the final player who is out of contract in the summer. After maintaining a regular spot in the Italian’s side, the 36-year-old is looking good for a short-term contract and has proven he can still score goals at this level.