Leicester City Set To Appoint Former Southampton Boss Russell Martin As New Manager

Former Southampton manager Russell Martin looks set to be named Leicester City boss as both sides prepare for next season in the Championship.

Leicester, who have been relegated back to the second tier for next season alongside Southampton, will reportedly name Martin as the successor to Ruud van Nistelrooy.

Dutch former Manchester United striker Van Nistelrooy has been in charge of Leicester since November.

But despite a three-game unbeaten run at the end of the season, he is not expected to be offered the job for next season.

Will Russell Martin Become The Next Leicester Boss?

Instead, it appears that the Foxes will turn to ex-Saints boss Russell Martin.

The 39-year-old former Norwich City defender guided the Saints to promotion last season via the Play-offs, but Martin was sacked by Southampton in December after picking up just one win in 16 Premier League games.

Martin’s last game at St Mary’s was a disastrous 5-0 defeat to Tottenham, prompting the Saints board to feel his position was untenable.

Results did not improve for the club, though, with last week’s draw with Manchester City taking them up to 12 points – just one more than Derby County’s record-breaking low of 11.

Having taken a few months out of football, the Daily Mail have now reported that Martin will be announced as the new Leicester boss in the coming days.

🚨Ruud van Nistelrooy is set to depart Leicester City, with a deal to appoint former Southampton manager Russell Martin expected to be finalised this week#saintsfc
[Mail] pic.twitter.com/xDaI9cV9WY

— The Saint Centre (@TheSaintCentre) May 21, 2025

Will Leicester City Have A Points Deduction Next Season?

Usually, the side relegated in 18th place would be among the firm favourites to be promoted again from the Championship next season.

But for Leicester, there are added complications to deal with.

The club are facing the possibility of a points deduction ahead of their Championship campaign.

This is because the Premier League has charged Leicester with breaking profit and sustainability rules.

An independent tribunal ended disputes over the 2022-23 season, but new allegations have emerged relating to 2023-24, when Leicester won the Championship to gain promotion.

Updated rules mean that Leicester can be penalised at any time. This comes after last year’s ruled that the Premier League had no jurisdiction over Leicester while they were playing in the second tier.

The club have said they will “engage cooperatively” in an effort to resolve the situation.

A spokesperson from the EFL told the Guardian: “The EFL notes that the Premier League has today referred Leicester City to an independent commission for an alleged breach of profit and sustainability rules for the period ending season 2023-24.

“The EFL commenced an investigation into this reporting period following the March 2024 submissions and as is permitted in accordance with EFL regulations, jurisdiction for that ed to the Premier League at the conclusion of the 2023-24 season on the club’s promotion.

“We will now await the outcome of the Premier League proceedings and until then are not able to comment any further on the matter.”

Should Leicester be found guilty of breaches, they will likely face a points deduction, with some reports claiming they could start next season on -12 points.