Leicester City begin the close season with an unfamiliar problem: the club’s No.9 shirt is currently unoccupied, a situation not seen at the King Power since 2012. The vacancy follows the exits of Patson Daka and Jordan Ayew and comes as the club rules out a return for Jamie Vardy and sees a proposed move for Danny Ings stall.
What has changed at the top of the attack
Vardy — the talisman who wore the No.9 for 13 years and finished his Leicester career with 200 goals in 500 appearances — will not be rejoining the squad, despite training at Seagrave earlier in the summer before heading to Portugal for further work. Meanwhile, Daka and Ayew have departed, leaving a clear gap centrally.
Targets and speculation
Leicester had been linked with a number of options to fill the void. Reports indicate that veteran striker Danny Ings is no longer in the frame, while younger names have been mentioned as possible solutions. One forward, Dom Ballard, has been referenced in transfer chatter after a previously reported approach from Bristol City failed to materialise.
- Patson Daka — left the club; scored 29 goals in 165 games for Leicester.
- Jordan Ayew — departed after a season where he contributed six goals.
- Jamie Vardy — not returning; trained at Seagrave then travelled to Portugal.
How other clubs are moving
The transfer market around the Championship and lower Premier League clubs has been active: Bristol City, who were linked with Ballard, ultimately pursued other options and secured Lorent Tolaj from Plymouth Argyle for £4million. Separately, free agent Elijah Adebayo, who scored 10 Premier League goals last season, has been reported as on trial with Bristol City.
| Player | Last season/Leicester record |
|---|---|
| Jamie Vardy | 200 goals in 500 appearances |
| Patson Daka | 29 goals in 165 games |
| Jordan Ayew | 6 goals last season |
What this means for Russell Martin
For manager Russell Martin, the empty No.9 raises tactical and recruitment questions. The club must decide whether to pursue an experienced striker capable of immediate returns, or to invest in a younger forward with potential resale value. That balance will shape Leicester’s approach over the remainder of the transfer window.
Supporters will be watching closely in pre-season as squad numbers are finalised and any new arrivals are announced. For now, the prominent shirt long associated with some of the club’s most memorable moments remains available — a tangible reminder of the changes taking place at the King Power.
