Steve Cooper has been confirmed as Leicester ’s new manager following a near three-week long search.
The Welshman has penned a three-year deal with the Championship winners having fought off competition from Graham Potter and Carlos Corberan. The former Brighton and Chelsea boss was originally in the running for the role and looked to be the favourite.
But talks stalled between him and Leicester, forcing them to look elsewhere and eventually appoint former Nottingham Forest tactician Cooper. Speaking after his appointment, he said: “I am really excited and proud to be appointed Leicester City’s First Team Manager.
"This is a fantastic Club with a rich history and passionate supporters. I am excited to work with such a talented squad and I’m looking forward to the challenge of achieving our shared ambitions in the Premier League.”
Leicester City Chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha added: "We are delighted to welcome Steve to Leicester City. His vision for the team, including his ability to develop players and implement a dynamic style of play, is very much aligned with our aspirations for the Club.
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“As a leader, he has the ability to build on the strong relationship that has been forged between our fans and our team, strengthening a bond that will be vital to us re-establishing the Club in the Premier League.”
The Foxes were previously on the lookout for a new boss after promotion winner Enzo Maresca’s surprise move to Chelsea. The Italian sealed a £10m switch to Stamford Bridge at the start of June. Cooper’s move to Leicester signals his return to the Premier League following a successful spell with Forest. The 44-year-old was appointed at the City Ground in September 2021 with the side rooted to the bottom of the Championship.
Steve Cooper left Nottingham Forest in December 2023 (Getty Images)Is Steve Cooper the right man for Leicester? Share your thoughts in the comments below
He led a surge up the table and into the playoffs - Forest eventually earning promotion against Huddersfield at Wembley. Forest spent hugely under Cooper during their first season in the Premier League and eventually staved off the threat of relegation.
The Reds’ second season back in the top flight was far more difficult. One win in just 13 games saw Cooper sacked and replaced by Nuno Espirito Santo.
Before his move to Nottingham, Cooper also had a spell with Swansea, while he also won the under-17 World Cup with England in 2017. He now faces an immense challenge with new club Leicester.
The Foxes earned an instant promotion back to the Premier League last term. They won 31 out of their 46 games to seal the Championship crown.
But they could face a considerable points deduction after being charged for breaching the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability rules. They are yet to welcome a signing to the club but have announced a number of new deals.
2016 title winner Jamie Vardy has penned a new one-year contract after scoring 20 goals in all competitions last season. Danish defender Jannik Vestergaard has also put pen to paper on a new three-year deal.
Leicester will play Tottenham in their season opener. Cooper faces a reunion with his former side Nottingham Forest in October.
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