Leicester City is on the verge of finalizing a deal with Graham Potter to become their new manager, taking over from Enzo Maresca. Potter, who has been out of a job since his departure from Chelsea in April 2023, has had promising discussions with the club and looks set to make the move. The team recently returned to the Premier League after winning the Championship last season, creating a managerial vacancy when Maresca left to join Chelsea as Mauricio Pochettino’s successor.
Potter is the frontrunner for the position and is reportedly eager to get back into management. Despite turning down other opportunities since leaving Chelsea, the 49-year-old has been waiting for the right opportunity to arise. Leicester’s financial situation adds an element of uncertainty to the move, as the club could potentially face a points deduction for breaching the Premier League’s financial rules. This could result in the need to offload players before the new season begins, casting doubt on the size of the transfer budget available.
While Leicester also considered other candidates like Steve Cooper and Carlos Corberán from West Brom, they have been actively trying to persuade Potter to join them. Potter is said to be seeking a working environment similar to the one he had at Brighton, where he achieved impressive results after joining from Swansea in 2019. His success at Brighton, leading them to a ninth-place finish in the Premier League in 2022, earned him the opportunity at Chelsea following Thomas Tuchel’s departure.
However, Potter struggled to make an impact at Stamford Bridge, ultimately leading to his dismissal by the new owners. Despite this setback, Potter’s coaching abilities have not gone unnoticed, with some even suggesting him as a potential candidate for the role of England manager should Gareth Southgate leave after Euro 2024. During his time at Chelsea, Potter guided the team to the quarter-finals of the Champions League before his exit.
Overall, Leicester’s pursuit of Potter highlights their determination to secure a manager with a proven track record of success in the Premier League. If the deal goes through, it will be interesting to see how Potter navigates the challenges that lie ahead, including potential financial constraints and the need to rebuild the team. His appointment could signal a new chapter for Leicester City as they aim to establish themselves as a competitive force in the league under his leadership.