Leicester City Strikes Gold with £1.25m Bargain Buy from Leeds United

A Leeds United transfer deal proved to be one of the best bargains in Leicester City history

Summary

Leicester City’s ascent to Premier League champions is one of the most remarkable football stories of modern times.

The Foxes spent a decade outside of the top flight, including a year in League One, before gaining promotion under Nigel Pearson in 2014.

Pearson led the club to a commendable 14th place finish in their first season back, achieving one of the greatest relegation escapes in recent memory.

However, few anticipated the Leicestershire outfit would secure a title just a year later.

A team built on journeymen like Robert Huth, Wes Morgan, and Danny Simpson clinched their first title under Claudio Ranieri.

An overlooked Leicester City transfer bargain

Football – Leeds United v Lincoln City – Carling Cup First Round – Elland Road – 10/11 – 10/8/10 Kasper Schmeichel – Leeds United Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Lee Smith

While Jamie Vardy's signing often receives accolades for its impact, the acquisition of goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel has largely flown under the radar.

The striker, who came from non-league football with Fleetwood Town, was vital to the title's success.

He achieved a record of scoring in 11 consecutive league games, totaling 24 goals, a performance surpassed only by Harry Kane of Tottenham Hotspur.

Nonetheless, Schmeichel's signing from Leeds United for a mere £1.25 million has been overshadowed by Vardy’s success.

The Danish international proved just as vital to the Leicester team, making a mark during his time at the club.

Kasper had big shoes to fill as the son of Peter Schmeichel, who enjoyed a storied career with Denmark and Manchester United, winning multiple titles.

For several years, he struggled to carve out his own legacy, often compared to his father.

However, his tenure at King Power Stadium established him as a true club legend.

Over 11 years, he made 479 competitive appearances, clinching a Championship and Premier League title along with an FA Cup.

Leicester shouldn’t have let Schmeichel go

Soccer Football – FA Cup Final – Chelsea v Leicester City – Wembley Stadium, London, Britain – May 15, 2021 Leicester City's Wes Morgan and Kasper Schmeichel celebrate with the trophy after winning the FA Cup Pool via REUTERS/Matthew Childs

In financial terms, losing Schmeichel for nothing in 2022 wasn't the worst decision, considering his transfer fee.

His performances far outweighed his initial cost.

However, parting ways with Schmeichel proved disastrous on the pitch, highlighting his overlooked value.

Leicester failed to adequately replace him, promoting Danny Ward to the starting position.

This was a significant factor in their relegation, which has set back the club's progress, distancing them from their previous successes with Schmeichel in goal.

If given a chance to reconsider, Schmeichel would undoubtedly still be guarding the net for the Foxes.

A £1.25 million investment that bore remarkable fruit during his time, now a cherished memory for the club.