When Cifuentes was named as Ruud van Nistelrooy's replacement in July, he spoke of wanting to bring a brand of "fearless" football back to the King Power. When Cifuentes came in, he was given less than a month to prepare for the season after Van Nistelrooy's protracted exit. Like Maresca before him, Cifuentes had a side stacked with Premier League experience to call on. But with talismanic striker Jamie Vardy among those to leave after last season's relegation, Cifuentes has not had the same quality to rely on. Leicester were one of only three clubs in the division - alongside Oxford and the now administration-hit Sheffield Wednesday - not to pay for a permanent summer transfer.

Source: BBC January 25, 2026 19:37 UTC