The 2015/16 Leicester City Title Winning Signings: Where They Are Now
In the summer of 2015, Leicester City were coming off the back of “the great escape”. The Foxes had been bottom of the table until as late as matchday 32, and were there for over four months. However, a late run of form, which included just one defeat in their last nine games, led to a comfortable 14th-place finish. The momentum gained from the end of the campaign can’t be understated, but many still felt Leicester would be relegated next season, as suggested by their 5000/1 odds of winning the league. In addition to this, the departure of Nigel Pearson also left a lot to be desired after the prior heroics. Claudio Ranieri replaced Pearson, and didn’t spark excitement amongst pundits alike. The transfer window of 2015 was key in the club’s Premier League title win. Head of Recruitment Steve Walsh was crucial in the incomings, which led to the historic Premier League title win.
The 2015/16 Leicester City Signings: Where Are They Now?
Shinji Okazaki
After starting his career in his homeland, Japan, Okazaki made his move to Europe in 2011. Stints with Stuttgart and Mainz proved enough for the Foxes to spend almost £1om on the forward this summer. The move was to be immensely valuable as he played a major part in Ranieri’s system. Despite scoring just five goals, with no assists, Okazaki offered more through his ability to drop deep and overload the midfield. With the use of a traditional 4-4-2, Okazaki’s role cannot be forgotten in how he aided the side in and out of possession.
Following on from becoming a Premier League champion, the Japanese international remained at the club until 2019. He then made further moves around Europe, including a season with Malaga, before retiring in 2024 at the age of 38.
N’Golo Kante
Perhaps the most significant addition from 2015 was the unknown midfielder. Kante, aged 24 at the time, traded Caen for Leicester, despite the French side’s stability in the top flight. He was scouted by the aforementioned Walsh, who heavily praised his ability to cover the pitch, which led to the £5.5m move being completed.
Despite not hitting the ground running and even starting off the left, the Frenchman soon became one of the best midfielders in the world. He made more interceptions and tackles than any other player during the season, and was eventually named in the PFA Team Of The Year. As a result of these performances, Kante inevitably moved to Chelsea the following summer for around £30m. His level of performance since then has never stopped, as he helped win the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and even the World Cup for France in 2018. He currently resides in Saudi Arabia, playing for Al Ittihad, whom he helped win the league this season.
Gökhan Inler
Swiss midfielder Gökhan Inler was one of the more well-known incomings. After playing a combined total of over 300 games for Serie A powerhouses Napoli and Udinese, Inler found himself in the East Midlands. He joined for just £5m from Naples, which looked to be a steal at the time, given his European pedigree. However, this didn’t prove to be true.
The midfielder was described as being ‘sick’ due to the lack of playing time. The 31-year-old at the time played just under 200 minutes in the league, with just five appearances. The unstoppable duo of Danny Drinkwater and Kante was a major reason for this and thus led to Inler’s departure in 2016. Following on from his unsuccessful time in England, Inler would go on to complete seven seasons in the Turkish Super Lig, before hanging up his boots in 2024. He is currently the technical director for his former club Udinese as he begins life after football.
Yohan Benalouane
Similar to Inler, Benalouane traded Italy for Leicester in the summer of 2015. The 28 year-old at the time had gained experience in both Italy and France, as he starred for Saint Etienne, Parma and Atalanta. He joined Ranieri’s side for a £5m fee, but struggled to break into the strong starting eleven. Just four appearances came due to this, as Wes Morgan and Robert Huth became the established partnership.
Christian Fuchs
Austrian left-back, Fuchs, was another key component of the title-winning team. After moving around Austria, he eventually arrived in Germany, where he settled for seven years. Time with Mainz, Schalke and Bochum set the then 29-year-old up to be the club’s first-choice left-back.
