However, what followed was nothing short of miraculous. Ranieri defied all expectations, leading Leicester to an unforgettable Premier League title in the 2015/16 season, with the Foxes overcoming 5000/1 odds to secure the most astonishing underdog victory in football history.
During his tenure, Ranieri made a total of 13 signings to bolster the squad, some of whom played crucial roles in their fairy-tale season. But where are these 13 players now? Let’s take a look at their current whereabouts, careers, and how their fortunes have changed since Leicester’s momentous title win.
Claudio Ranieri’s spell at Leicester City is etched in football history after guiding the club to an improbable Premier League title in the 2015/16 season. His achievement capped off a career-long dream of winning a top-flight league title, though Ranieri has since stated he’d trade it for a chance to win a Serie A title with his beloved Roma.
But his triumph was not achieved in isolation. Over his 18 months at the King Power Stadium, Ranieri made 13 signings to strengthen his squad. While some players played pivotal roles in Leicester’s stunning success, others have since faded into obscurity. So, where are these 13 signings now, and how have their careers unfolded since their time at Leicester?
Here’s a look at the fate of those 13 signings:
1. N’Golo KantéOne of the most pivotal figures in Leicester’s title run, Kanté’s incredible work rate in midfield earned him a move to Chelsea after just one season. At Stamford Bridge, he continued to shine, winning multiple Premier League titles and a World Cup with France in 2018.
2. Ahmed HegaziThe Egyptian defender joined Leicester from Al Ahly but never made a significant impact at the club. He was loaned out to West Bromwich Albion and eventually joined them permanently, where he became a regular feature of their defense in the Premier League before moving to Saudi Arabia in 2021.
3. Christian FuchsFuchs became a fan favorite for his no-nonsense defending and solid performances. He stayed at Leicester until 2021, contributing to their FA Cup victory before moving to MLS to join Charlotte FC.
4. Ron-Robert ZielerZieler joined Leicester as a backup goalkeeper but never made a lasting impression. He spent some time out on loan before returning to Germany, where he has since played for 1. FC Köln.
5. Yohan BenalouaneThe Tunisian center-back struggled for game time at Leicester and spent time out on loan before being released. Benalouane returned to Italy and played for several lower league clubs before retiring from football.
6. Nampalys MendyMendy’s time at Leicester was mostly marked by being a backup to the established midfield trio. However, he remained with the club after Ranieri’s departure, providing depth for the team until he moved on to OGC Nice in 2022.
7. Bartosz KapustkaKapustka joined Leicester from Poland with high hopes, but he failed to break into the first team. He was loaned out to several clubs across Europe, including Freiburg and Legia Warsaw, before eventually returning to Poland permanently.
8. Luis HernándezLuis Hernández had a brief and largely unsuccessful spell at Leicester. After just one season, he was sent out on loan and later joined Spanish club Málaga, where he continued his career in the lower leagues.
9. Demarai GrayGray showed flashes of brilliance during his time at Leicester but struggled with consistency. After Ranieri left, Gray found himself out of favor and eventually moved to Everton in 2021, where he remains an important part of their attack.
10. Daniel AmarteyAmartey’s Leicester journey has been a slow burn, with periods of regular play alongside some inconsistent stretches. After proving his worth under Brendan Rodgers, Amartey is still a part of Leicester’s squad and contributed to their Championship campaign in 2023.
11. Marc AlbrightonAlbrighton was a reliable presence during Leicester’s title-winning season and continued to offer solid contributions over the years. He remained at Leicester until the 2023/24 season, where he left after a decade of service to pursue a new chapter in his career.
12. Shinji OkazakiOkazaki was a crucial member of Leicester’s attacking setup during their title-winning campaign. After leaving Leicester in 2019, he spent a brief time at Spanish side Huesca before retiring from professional football in 2021.
13. Ahmed MusaMusa was signed with great expectations, but he never quite adapted to the Premier League. After two disappointing years at Leicester, Musa left for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, where he found more success in the Middle East.
Conclusion
While many of Ranieri’s signings didn’t quite have the lasting impact at Leicester that the club may have hoped for, a few like Kanté and Albrighton were instrumental in the club’s unforgettable journey to the top of English football. Despite the mixed fortunes of these 13 acquisitions, the fairy tale of Leicester’s title win remains the lasting legacy of Ranieri’s tenure, one that will be cherished forever in the club’s history.
Perhaps one of the greatest signings in Leicester City’s history, N’Golo
Kanté was Claudio Ranieri’s first acquisition for the Foxes. Signed for just £5.5 million in the summer of 2015, the French midfielder was largely unknown to many outside of France. But by the end of that remarkable 2015/16 Premier League season, everyone had heard of him.Kanté was an essential figure in Leicester’s stunning title-winning campaign, showcasing his exceptional work rate, tireless running, and unrivaled ability to win the ball back in midfield.
His performances quickly earned him widespread acclaim, and he was pivotal in Leicester’s success, winning the PFA Player of the Year award and being named in the Premier League Team of the Year.His performances did not go unnoticed, and just one season after Leicester’s historic title win, Kanté moved to Chelsea in a £32 million deal. At Stamford Bridge, his influence grew even further, helping Chelsea secure another Premier League title and becoming a mainstay in the French national team. He played a key role in France’s 2018 World Cup victory, cementing his place as one of the world’s top midfielders.
Kanté’s rise from an unknown talent to one of the best midfielders in the world stands as a testament to the incredible foresight of Ranieri and Leicester’s recruitment strategy. Even after his departure, his legacy at the club endures as a symbol of Leicester’s fairytale run to the top of English football.
N’Golo Kanté’s impact at Leicester City was so profound that many fans jokingly claim the Earth is 70% water, and the other 30% is covered by Kanté. His relentless energy, incredible work rate, and ability to break up play were key to Leicester’s unlikely Premier League title win in 2016, making him one of the most beloved figures in the club’s history.
After just one season at Leicester, where he was instrumental in their success, Kanté made the move to Chelsea in the summer of 2016 for a then-club record £32 million. At Stamford Bridge, he further solidified his reputation as one of the world’s best midfielders, winning multiple Premier League titles and individual honors, including the PFA Player of the Year.
In 2023, after his time with Chelsea, Kanté moved to Saudi Arabian side Al Ittihad, joining a growing list of high-profile players heading to the Middle East. At Al Ittihad, he plays alongside big names such as Fabinho and Karim Benzema, continuing his career in a new chapter, but his legacy at Leicester remains untouchable, with fans still reminiscing about his time in the East Midlands.
Yohan Benalouane’s time at Leicester City was certainly erratic, with the Tunisian defender never fully settling into the Premier League-winning squad. Despite being part of the squad during the title-winning campaign, he only featured in four games and, as a result, missed out on a winner’s medal—a bitter pill for any player to swallow, especially when part of such an iconic season.
Benalouane was largely used in Carabao Cup matches, making sporadic appearances and failing to make a lasting impact at the club. After leaving Leicester, his career took a step down, and he is now playing in Serie C, Italy’s third tier, with Novara. While his time at Leicester is largely remembered for missed opportunities, the memories of that title-winning season remain, with his contribution being more of a footnote in Leicester’s remarkable rise.
Gökhan Inler’s move to Leicester City in 2015 was seen as a significant coup, with the Swiss international arriving from Napoli, where he had been a regular fixture in their midfield. Expectations were high, with many believing he could add quality and experience to Leicester’s title challenge.
However, Inler’s impact on the pitch was minimal. Despite being a high-profile signing, he failed to make a lasting impression and was largely sidelined during Leicester’s historic Premier League title win. He did manage to play in enough matches to earn a winner’s medal, but after just one season with the club, he left.
Following his departure from Leicester, Inler enjoyed brief stints in Turkey before deciding to retire from professional football in the summer. Now, instead of being on the pitch, he’s contributing to the football world off it as the technical director at Udinese, where he’s involved in shaping the club’s future. Though his playing days are behind him, Inler’s career continues to evolve in the world of football management.
Nathan Dyer’s time at Leicester City was brief but memorable, with his contribution playing a pivotal role in the Foxes’ Premier League title triumph. On loan from Swansea City, Dyer scored one of the most significant goals of the season during a crucial 3-2 comeback win over Aston Villa. Trailing 2-0, Dyer came off the bench late in the game and, showing remarkable determination, bundled the ball over the line to complete the turnaround, cementing his place in Leicester’s title-winning history.
Despite his heroics, a permanent move to Leicester never materialized, and Dyer returned to Swansea after the season. He continued his career for a few more years but ultimately retired in 2020. While his time at Leicester was short-lived, Dyer’s impact during that unforgettable season has left him a hero in the eyes of many Foxes fans.
Daniel Amartey joined Leicester City during the 2015/16 title-winning season, signing from FC Copenhagen in January. Although he wasn’t initially a regular starter, Amartey played a vital role in Leicester’s historic campaign, making enough appearances to earn a Premier League winner’s medal.
Over the years, Amartey became a dependable squad player for the Foxes, particularly in European competitions and cup matches. His versatility in midfield and defense was instrumental during Leicester’s successful FA Cup run, where he played in the 2021 final against Chelsea, helping the team secure their first-ever FA Cup victory.
As of now, Amartey has moved on from Leicester and is currently playing for Besiktas in Turkey’s Super Lig, continuing his career after several successful seasons at Leicester. His legacy at the club is defined by his reliability in big moments, making him a well-respected figure in Leicester’s recent history.
After Leicester City’s relegation to the Championship in the 2022/23 season, Daniel Amartey decided to leave the club, making a move to Besiktas in Turkey. The transfer was seen as an opportunity for the Ghanaian international to continue playing at a high level following Leicester’s drop down to the second tier of English football.
However, Amartey’s time at Besiktas has not gone as smoothly as hoped. Reports surfaced that Amartey was involved in a controversial situation during the summer transfer window, with claims he went AWOL when the Turkish club attempted to sell him on transfer deadline day. This situation raised concerns about his professionalism and relationship with Besiktas, leaving his future at the club uncertain.
Despite the rough start, Amartey remains contracted to Besiktas, but his role and future at the club remain in doubt following the turbulent circumstances surrounding his arrival and the failed transfer.
Luis Hernandez was brought in to bolster Leicester City’s squad for their historic Champions League campaign during the 2016/17 season. The Spanish defender made just four appearances for the Foxes, but he played a memorable role in their European journey. He was responsible for the throw-in that led to Marc Albrighton’s famous goal against Club Brugge, which was Leicester’s first-ever goal in the Champions League.
Despite this brief moment of involvement, Hernandez struggled to secure a regular spot in the team. After just six months at Leicester, he left the club and returned to Spain, joining Malaga.
Currently, Hernandez can be found playing in the Spanish Second Division for Cadiz, following a short spell at Maccabi Tel-Aviv in Israel. His career since leaving Leicester has seen him move around Europe, with his time in the top-flight now behind him.
Ron-Robert Zieler was brought in as a back-up goalkeeper to Kasper Schmeichel during Leicester City’s Premier League title-winning season. The German goalkeeper arrived with notable pedigree, having been part of the Germany squad that won the 2014 World Cup, although he did not play in the tournament.
However, Zieler struggled to adapt to his role as second-choice goalkeeper at Leicester, making just a handful of appearances for the club. After only one season in the East Midlands, he returned to Germany, where he found a more prominent role.
Currently, Zieler is the first-choice goalkeeper for Hannover 96 in the 2. Bundesliga, continuing his career in Germany’s second tier.