Leicester Manager Responds to Growing Harry Souttar Transfer Rumours

Leicester City manager Russell Martin has insisted Harry Souttar remains fully focused on the club despite renewed speculation over a possible move to Wrexham.

The 27-year-old defender arrived at Leicester from Stoke City in 2023 in a deal worth around £15 million. However, Souttar found regular first-team football difficult to secure and subsequently spent time away from the Foxes on loan at Sheffield United in 2024.

His spell at Bramall Lane was badly disrupted when he suffered an Achilles injury, keeping him sidelined for around 15 months. During his lengthy absence, Leicester were relegated from the Premier League, while their struggles continued after Souttar returned in April as the club faced the prospect of another relegation, this time to League One.

Leicester’s drop to the third tier was eventually confirmed following a 2-2 draw with Hull City. Souttar was handed his first start of the season shortly afterwards and marked his return to the lineup by scoring in a 1-1 draw with Millwall.

Wrexham continue to monitor Souttar

Souttar has been given the captain’s armband in both of Leicester’s league matches this season, but the Foxes have endured a disappointing beginning to their League One campaign.

They opened with a 1-1 draw against Notts County before suffering a surprise 2-1 home defeat to Burton Albion, leaving them still searching for their first victory.

The Australia international has also attracted attention from his former club Sheffield United. However, reports suggest the Blades have now ended their pursuit after Leicester placed a £10 million valuation on the defender.

That decision has seemingly done little to discourage Wrexham. Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph has reported that the Welsh club have opened preliminary discussions regarding a possible deal for Souttar.

Wrexham are continuing to look for further additions before the transfer window closes on Tuesday night. Their need for reinforcements was highlighted again after their winless start extended to three matches with a 2-1 defeat against Birmingham City.

Martin praises Souttar’s attitude

Leicester will be hoping to finally secure their first league victory when they take on MK Dons at lunchtime, with Souttar expected to retain his place in the team.

Ahead of the fixture, Martin spoke positively about the defender’s attitude and suggested there has been no indication from Souttar that he wants to leave the club.

“He’s got a fantastic attitude and wants to play. We’ve had no official bid.

“So again, it’s all this talk and stuff like that, which can be really distracting. But Harry’s been brilliant and he’s not been in once to say, ‘I want to leave’, and all that.

“He’s really relaxed about things and I think he’s going to improve along with the team. He’s not been back in for very long. He’s doing something very different for him and he’ll continue to improve and grow with us.”

If Leicester do eventually sanction Souttar’s departure for a fee in excess of £10 million, he would become the fourth major sale made by the club during the summer.

Abdul Fatawu, Bilal El Khannouss and Jeremy Monga have already left Leicester for significant transfer fees, and Souttar could now become the latest high-value departure if Wrexham or another interested club meets the Foxes’ valuation.