Leicester nightmare deepens as striker becomes first to abandon ship

Leicester City were never realistically going to find another player capable of matching the legacy of Jamie Vardy. A once-in-a-generation figure, the veteran striker set standards at the King Power Stadium that few forwards in modern football could ever hope to reach.

That said, Leicester’s recruitment team should still have delivered far better support in attack than what unfolded last season.

The options available up front were painfully underwhelming. Jordan Ayew and Patson Daka failed to provide anything close to the quality expected at a club of Leicester’s stature, with the Foxes’ frontline too often looking blunt, lifeless and devoid of any real cutting edge.

Outside of penalties and simple close-range finishes, meaningful contributions were few and far between. Leicester’s attack lacked intensity, confidence and reliability throughout a disastrous campaign that ultimately ended in relegation.

For supporters watching the squad unravel week after week, Daka’s impending exit will hardly come as a surprise. The Zambia international is out of contract next month, and reports now suggest he is actively seeking to terminate his deal in order to secure a move elsewhere immediately.

The feeling among many supporters appears mutual. After a hugely disappointing spell in the East Midlands, patience has long since evaporated.

“Leicester City player ready to walk away after relegation – Push for termination”

With Daka seemingly heading for the exit door, Leicester’s hierarchy now face major pressure to avoid repeating the recruitment failures that contributed to the club’s collapse in the first place. For many fans, his departure represents the beginning of a long-overdue clear-out.

“Spanish reports say he has no intention of renewing”

Looking purely at the numbers, Daka’s Leicester spell has fallen well short of expectations. Signed for around £23 million, the striker managed 29 goals during his time at the club — a return many supporters feel never justified either the fee or the faith placed in him.