Leicester City Appoints Marti Cifuentes, Begins Squad Overhaul

Marti Cifuentes has been appointed as the new manager of Leicester City, signing a three-year deal to lead the club into the 2025/26 Championship season following their relegation from the Premier League. Known for his emphasis on possession, pressing, and positional play—principles inspired by Johan Cruyff—Cifuentes has a track record of developing young talent, as demonstrated during his tenure at QPR and Hammarby, where he significantly lowered the average age of his squads. He inherits a squad with a large number of players, many of whom may be moved on to streamline the team and reduce wage burdens, while focusing on integrating promising academy players and prospects into the first team. Cifuentes aims to build a team that fans can be proud of, emphasizing a playing style centered on ball dominance and tactical discipline, although he acknowledges that the full realization of his vision will take time. His initial task also includes quick preparation for the new season, with a squad that features several young talents showing potential to secure places in the team. The club's director of football faces a challenge in managing transfers effectively, having had limited recent success in selling high-value players, underscoring the importance of Cifuentes' ability to develop internal talent and instill a winning mentality.