Leicester City have officially parted ways with manager Ruud van Nistelrooy by mutual consent, bringing an end to a turbulent seven-month tenure that culminated in the clubâs relegation from the Premier League. The decision, confirmed on June 27, 2025, comes more than nine weeks after the Foxesâ drop to the Championship was sealed, following a disastrous campaign under the Dutchmanâs leadership.
Van Nistelrooy, appointed in November 2024 to replace Steve Cooper with Leicester sitting 16th in the Premier League, was tasked with steering the club clear of relegation. However, his stint was marked by a dismal record, with only four wins in 27 matches across all competitions and a staggering 19 losses. A particularly grim statistic saw Leicester become the first team in Englandâs top four tiers to lose eight consecutive home league games without scoring, a record matched only by Daniel Farkeâs Norwich in Premier League history.
The clubâs relegation was confirmed on April 20, 2025, with a 1-0 defeat to Liverpool, leaving Leicester 18th in the table, 13 points from safety with five games remaining. Despite the writing being on the wall, the decision to sack Van Nistelrooy was delayed, reportedly due to financial constraints tied to Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR). Leicester, facing a potential points deduction in the 2025/26 Championship season, waited until after June 30 to avoid two managerial payouts in the same financial year, having already sacked Cooper earlier in the campaign.
In a statement, Leicester City said: âLeicester City Football Club and Ruud van Nistelrooy have mutually agreed that Ruudâs contract with the Club as First Team Manager will terminate with immediate effect. Ruud moves on with the respect and thanks of everyone at the Football Club for his dedication and hard work, and with our very best wishes for the future.â
Van Nistelrooy, a former Manchester United and PSV Eindhoven legend, expressed gratitude to the club, stating: âI would like to personally thank the Leicester City players, coaches, academy, and all the staff I have worked with for their professionalism and dedication during my time at the Club and to thank the fans for their support, and take this opportunity to wish the Club well for the future.â
The protracted nature of Van Nistelrooyâs exit drew criticism, with former Leicester striker Matt Fryatt calling it âbafflingâ and a âmessâ in early June. The delay has left Leicester with less than seven weeks to prepare for the Championship season, prompting speculation about the clubâs next managerial appointment.
Sean Dyche, sacked by Everton in January 2025, has emerged as the leading candidate to take over at the King Power Stadium, with reports suggesting Leicester are keen to appoint the experienced tactician to lead their promotion push. Sheffield Wednesdayâs Danny Röhl has also been linked, though former Southampton boss Russell Martin, previously considered, opted for the Rangers job instead.
Leicesterâs board now faces the challenge of rebuilding a squad hit by relegation and the departure of key figures like Jamie Vardy, while navigating potential financial penalties. The appointment of a new manager will be crucial as the Foxes aim to return to the Premier League at the first attempt.