Russell Martin is eager to sign this free agent as his first acquisition at Leicester.

Leicester City Preparing for a New Era Under Russell Martin

Leicester City supporters finally have reasons to feel optimistic as preparations begin for the upcoming League One campaign.

Oxford United v Southampton – Pre-Season Friendly | Warren Little/GettyImages

With the summer transfer window now officially open, attention has quickly shifted toward potential arrivals as the Foxes look to rebuild a squad capable of securing an immediate return to the Championship.

At the same time, Leicester’s lengthy search for a new manager appears to be reaching its conclusion. Russell Martin is widely expected to be confirmed as the club’s new head coach, succeeding Gary Rowett and taking charge of a side determined to bounce back at the first attempt.

As Martin begins planning for the challenges ahead, many expect him to turn to players he knows well from previous jobs. Managers often rely on trusted individuals during rebuilding projects, and the former Southampton boss has several former players who could potentially fit into his plans at the King Power Stadium.

One name that has emerged as a particularly intriguing possibility is Will Smallbone, a midfielder who flourished under Martin during their time together on the South Coast.

Smallbone Could Be an Ideal Reunion Signing

If Russell Martin had arrived at Leicester earlier, there is a chance another former Southampton player might have benefited from the move.

Joe Aribo endured a difficult spell during his loan stay with Leicester last season and failed to make any meaningful impact. His struggles were particularly notable because of the success he previously enjoyed while working under Martin at Southampton.

During their time together at St Mary’s, Aribo contributed six goals and one assist across 57 appearances. Those numbers demonstrated the trust Martin placed in him and the role he played within the manager’s tactical system.

However, his experience at Leicester was very different.

Across six appearances for the Foxes, Aribo failed to register either a goal or an assist, making little impact before returning to his parent club.

The contrast highlighted Martin’s ability to maximize the strengths of certain players and create an environment where they can perform at their best.

Smallbone may be another footballer who falls into that category.

The Republic of Ireland international enjoyed some of the finest football of his career under Martin and became an important figure in Southampton’s successful promotion push.

Yet since then, his progress has stalled significantly.

Southampton Departure Opens the Door

After several difficult seasons, Smallbone’s time at Southampton has now come to an end.

The midfielder recently departed the club after his contract was terminated, making him available as a free agent this summer.

His release has naturally attracted interest from clubs looking to strengthen their squads without spending transfer fees.

For Leicester, that situation creates an opportunity.

Because Martin knows Smallbone’s qualities better than most, a move to the King Power Stadium could make considerable sense for both parties.

The midfielder would arrive without a transfer fee attached to his name, allowing Leicester to strengthen their squad while maintaining flexibility elsewhere in the market.

More importantly, Martin would be acquiring a player whose strengths fit his style of play and whose best football arguably came under his management.

Many observers believe Smallbone remains a player with Championship-level ability despite his recent setbacks.

If Martin can help him rediscover the form he showed during Southampton’s promotion campaign, Leicester could secure one of the bargains of the summer.

A Career That Has Lost Momentum

Of course, there are understandable concerns surrounding any potential deal.

Smallbone has endured a difficult period over the last two seasons and has struggled to build any consistent momentum.

Injuries have played a major role in disrupting his development and preventing him from establishing himself as a regular starter.

Last season, he spent time on loan at Millwall but found opportunities limited.

The midfielder managed only ten appearances during his spell at The Den and was unable to register either a goal or an assist.

It was a frustrating campaign for a player who once appeared destined for a prominent role in Southampton’s first team.

Questions naturally remain regarding his fitness, confidence and ability to recapture previous levels of performance.

However, Leicester may feel that the potential reward outweighs the risk, particularly given the absence of a transfer fee.

Martin Previously Got the Best Out of Him

One of the strongest arguments in favour of signing Smallbone is the evidence of what he achieved under Martin in the past.

During Southampton’s 2023/24 promotion-winning campaign, the midfielder enjoyed arguably the finest season of his professional career.

Operating in Martin’s system, Smallbone became a dynamic presence in midfield and regularly contributed in attacking areas.

Across the campaign, he accumulated ten goal contributions, showcasing his ability to influence matches from central positions.

His performances demonstrated qualities that could prove extremely valuable in League One, including creativity, intelligent movement and the willingness to break forward into dangerous areas.

One particularly memorable moment came during Southampton’s Championship play-off semi-final against West Bromwich Albion.

With the tie finely balanced, Smallbone scored the opening goal to help his side seize control of the contest and move closer to promotion.

It was a moment that highlighted both his technical quality and his ability to deliver in important matches.

Throughout that same season, he also created eight major scoring opportunities for teammates, underlining his effectiveness as an attacking midfielder.

Those statistics paint the picture of a player capable of making a significant impact when operating in the right environment.

Would Smallbone Drop to League One?

A key question surrounding any potential move concerns whether Smallbone would be willing to play in League One.

At 26 years old, he remains firmly in his prime and may still believe he belongs at Championship level or higher.

Several clubs from the second tier could potentially explore opportunities to sign him, particularly given his availability on a free transfer.

However, his recent injury issues may influence his thinking.

After enduring a difficult period and struggling for regular football, Smallbone may prioritise finding a situation where he feels comfortable and valued rather than simply choosing the highest division possible.

That reality could work in Leicester’s favour.

A reunion with Martin would offer familiarity, stability and the chance to rebuild confidence under a coach who has previously helped him succeed.

For a player looking to rediscover his best form, those factors may prove highly attractive.

Strong Relationship Could Be Crucial

Smallbone has spoken positively about Martin’s influence in the past and has publicly credited the manager for helping him enjoy the most productive season of his career.

Under Martin’s leadership, Southampton not only secured promotion but also provided Smallbone with a platform to showcase his abilities.

Because of that positive relationship, there is every reason to believe the midfielder would welcome the opportunity to work with his former manager again.

The division itself may ultimately become less important if the player believes the move offers the best environment for rebuilding his career.

Reuniting with a coach who understands his strengths and trusts his abilities could provide exactly the fresh start he needs.

Leicester Need Midfield Reinforcements

From Leicester’s perspective, the squad also appears to require additional options in central midfield.

The departure of Jordan James has left a gap that needs to be addressed, particularly in terms of creativity and attacking support from deeper areas.

Martin will likely want midfielders capable of progressing the ball, creating chances and contributing goals.

When fully fit and in form, Smallbone has shown he can provide all of those qualities.

His versatility would offer valuable tactical flexibility, while his previous experience under Martin could help accelerate his adaptation to Leicester’s system.

Given the financial realities of League One, identifying quality free agents is likely to be an important part of Leicester’s recruitment strategy this summer.

A Deal That Could Make Perfect Sense

While there are certainly risks attached due to injuries and recent struggles, the potential benefits are obvious.

Leicester would be signing a player with proven Championship experience, international pedigree and a strong understanding of the manager’s methods.

Meanwhile, Smallbone would receive an opportunity to revive his career under the coach who previously helped him reach his highest level.

If Martin is officially confirmed as Leicester City manager in the coming days, speculation surrounding a reunion is likely to intensify.

Should the move materialize, it could ultimately prove to be one of the smartest free-transfer acquisitions of the summer and an important step in Leicester’s quest to secure promotion back to the Championship at the first attempt.