Leicester City announces their retained list, with 10 players set to leave following relegation to League One.

Leicester City have officially confirmed their retained list following a disastrous campaign that ended with relegation to EFL League One.

The club announced that 10 players will leave the King Power Stadium this summer as preparations begin for a major rebuild ahead of life in the third tier of English football.

Jordan Ayew (left) and Ricardo Pereira will not be part of Leicester’s League One squad next season

Among the most high-profile departures are experienced forward Jordan Ayew, club captain Ricardo Pereira, and striker Patson Daka.

The departures underline the scale of the transition now facing Leicester after a deeply disappointing period that has seen the club suffer back-to-back relegations.

Jordan Ayew Leaves After Difficult Two-Year Spell

Ayew’s exit perhaps represents one of the most notable decisions announced by Leicester.

The Ghana international joined the Foxes two years ago but now departs after a difficult spell that ultimately ended with consecutive relegations for the club.

Despite Leicester’s struggles collectively, Ayew remained an important figure within the squad throughout the campaign. The 34-year-old featured regularly and was one of the few experienced players consistently available during a turbulent season.

He appeared in all but four Championship matches during the 2025/26 campaign as Leicester endured a miserable year that eventually saw them finish second from bottom in the table.

Across his two seasons at the club, Ayew scored 11 league goals in 72 appearances.

Although his individual contribution occasionally provided moments of quality, it was not enough to prevent Leicester’s dramatic decline through the divisions.

The forward is still expected to remain involved internationally and could feature for the Ghana national football team during this summer’s World Cup tournament.

His departure now closes a brief but difficult chapter in his club career.

Ricardo Pereira Ends Eight-Year Leicester Journey

Another major departure comes in the form of long-serving defender Ricardo Pereira.

The Portuguese full-back leaves Leicester after eight seasons with the club, bringing an end to a hugely successful spell at the King Power Stadium despite the disappointing conclusion.

Pereira initially joined Leicester from FC Porto in 2018 for a reported fee of £21.8 million and quickly established himself as one of the Premier League’s standout attacking full-backs.

Over the years, he became an important leader both on and off the pitch and eventually captained the side during one of the most difficult periods in the club’s recent history.

During his time with Leicester, Pereira helped the club achieve memorable success, including victories in the FA Cup and Community Shield.

Those triumphs represented some of the greatest moments in Leicester’s modern era, with Pereira playing a significant role in the team’s achievements.

The defender made 220 appearances across all competitions for the Foxes and scored 15 goals during his stay.

Earlier this month, the club had already confirmed that Pereira would be leaving when his contract expired this summer, but his inclusion on the retained list officially marks the end of his long association with Leicester.

For many supporters, his departure symbolises the closing of a successful era that has now been replaced by uncertainty and rebuilding.

Patson Daka Also Departs Following Disappointing Spell

Striker Patson Daka is another player leaving Leicester as part of the summer clear-out.

The Zambia international arrived at the club in 2021 from Red Bull Salzburg in a deal worth approximately £23 million.

At the time, Daka was viewed as one of Europe’s most exciting young attacking talents after impressing heavily in Austria with his pace, movement, and goalscoring ability.

However, his time at Leicester never fully developed as many supporters had hoped.

Although he showed flashes of quality at various points, consistency proved difficult to achieve and he struggled to establish himself as a reliable first-choice striker.

During the most recent Championship campaign, Daka managed only five goals in 41 league appearances as Leicester’s attacking struggles contributed heavily to their relegation.

Now, after four years at the club, the striker will move on in search of a fresh opportunity elsewhere.

His departure highlights another expensive transfer that ultimately failed to deliver the expected long-term impact for Leicester.

Jamaal Lascelles Departs After Short-Term Stay

Defender Jamaal Lascelles is also among the players leaving the club this summer.

The experienced centre-back joined Leicester on a short-term contract in January as the club attempted to strengthen during the second half of the season.

However, despite his arrival, Leicester were unable to reverse their poor form or avoid relegation to League One.

Lascelles’ stay at the King Power Stadium therefore proved brief, and he will now depart after only a few months at the club.

Young Players Released As Leicester Restructure

Alongside the senior departures, Leicester have also confirmed the release of several younger players as part of the club’s restructuring process.

Defenders Jake Donohue and Jahmari Lindsay will both leave the Foxes this summer after failing to secure long-term futures with the club.

Midfielders Alfie Fisken, Toby Onanaye, and Olaoluwa Omobolaji have also been informed they will depart following the expiration of their contracts.

In addition, striker Chris Popov is another player moving on after spending part of the season out on loan.

Popov enjoyed a productive spell with Morecambe, scoring seven goals while gaining valuable first-team experience away from Leicester.

Despite those encouraging performances, the club have decided not to retain him moving forward.

These departures reflect Leicester’s intention to reshape the squad significantly following relegation, with both experienced players and younger prospects now moving on.

Asmir Begovic Could Still Stay At Leicester

While many players are leaving, Leicester have confirmed discussions are ongoing with veteran goalkeeper Asmir Begović regarding a possible new contract.

The 38-year-old’s current deal is due to expire this summer, but the club are reportedly keen to explore the possibility of extending his stay.

Begovic brought considerable experience to the squad and could still have a role to play as Leicester attempt to stabilise following relegation.

The goalkeeper has enjoyed a lengthy professional career across England and Europe and may yet remain part of the club’s plans heading into next season.

Huge Rebuild Ahead For Leicester City

Leicester now face one of the most important summers in the club’s recent history.

After suffering consecutive relegations and dropping into League One, the Foxes are under enormous pressure to rebuild quickly and restore confidence both on and off the pitch.

The confirmed departures of several senior players suggest the club recognises major changes are required if they are to recover from an alarming decline.

Supporters will now wait to see what direction Leicester choose in terms of recruitment, leadership, and long-term planning as preparations begin for a season few could have imagined only a few years ago.

For a club that lifted the Premier League title less than a decade ago and later celebrated FA Cup success, the reality of preparing for life in League One marks a dramatic fall from grace.

The coming months will therefore be crucial in determining whether Leicester can begin rebuilding toward a brighter future or continue struggling during one of the most difficult periods in the club’s modern history.