City cool interest in veteran forward
Leicester City have stepped back from a deal to bring in Danny Ings, with the pursuit of the free agent understood to be off. The experienced striker had been identified as a potential addition for Russell Martin ahead of the 2026/27 season, but talks have not advanced and the club is now focused on alternative targets.
Ings, who departed Sheffield United when his contract ended at the close of June, had been linked with a one-year agreement following national reports earlier this month. While initial conversations were held, there has been no meaningful progress, and the expectation within the club is that he will not be arriving at the King Power Stadium.
Recruitment picture shifts after early arrivals
City have already made their first signings of the summer, adding Conor Chaplin and Alex McCarthy. Attention had then turned to bolstering the front line with experienced cover. However, with the Ings move now unlikely, Leicester’s recruitment team is reassessing a striker shortlist to complement the mix of youth and senior options emerging through pre-season.
Across the opening friendlies, Kirsten Otchere and Nathan Opoku have been trialled centrally and both found the net in wins over Bristol Rovers and Burton Albion. The club’s 3-0 result at the Pirelli Stadium on Saturday – featuring goals from Otchere, Will Alves and Opoku – underlined the promise in the current group while reinforcing the need for depth and experience before the league campaign begins.
Other names in the frame
Leicester have monitored a number of centre-forwards this summer. Lorent Tolaj of Plymouth Argyle has been linked but is now expected to head to Bristol City. Dom Ballard at Leyton Orient has also been discussed, with reports elsewhere of an unsuccessful bid from the Robins, suggesting competition among League One clubs for striking options remains fierce.
| Forward option | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Danny Ings | Not expected to join | Free agent after leaving Sheffield United in June |
| Kirsten Otchere | In squad | Scored in pre-season; used centrally |
| Nathan Opoku | In squad | On target in friendlies; featured as No 9 |
| Lorent Tolaj | Linked elsewhere | Set for Bristol City move |
| Dom Ballard | Monitored | Forward linked amid wider interest |
Pre-season context and what it means
The decision to step away from Ings – who has extensive top-flight experience with Liverpool and West Ham – reflects a pragmatic stance as Leicester balance short-term leadership up front with the development of younger players. With momentum building in pre-season and a tour of Spain scheduled for next week, the club’s evaluation of internal options will continue in tandem with external scouting.
For supporters, the immediate implication is that the search for a seasoned forward remains open. City’s recent line-ups have showcased hunger and mobility in the final third, but the long League One schedule typically tests squad depth. A senior striker could provide guidance and late-game control to complement the energy of emerging attackers.
Local impact and next steps
Leicester’s approach this window suggests a careful use of resources and a willingness to pivot when deals stall or the profile is not the right fit. With two early signings already through the door and multiple friendlies delivering confidence-boosting performances, recruitment in the final third is now the primary remaining piece. The club will continue to weigh market availability against the progress of academy and development players who have impressed this month.
- Striker plan reset: Ings no longer a live target; attention moves to other forwards.
- Internal options rising: Otchere and Opoku have both scored during pre-season outings.
- Further business expected: After Chaplin and McCarthy, a centre-forward remains the priority area.
Leicester resume preparations for the new campaign with their overseas training block, where the balance between recruiting experience and backing in-form youngsters will continue to shape selection decisions ahead of opening day.
