Leicester secure Will Smallbone as midfield gap narrows

Leicester City have moved to plug a midfield void by signing Republic of Ireland international Will Smallbone on a three‑year contract. The 26‑year‑old arrives after departing Southampton in the summer and will be eligible for the Foxes’ next League fixture away at Stevenage on 6 October.

Why Leicester needed a new midfielder

Leicester have struggled for creativity in the centre of the park this season, prompting the club to seek a player with Championship experience and a proven goal threat. Smallbone’s record of seven goals in 77 appearances for Southampton and his role in their promotion campaign offer the balance the Foxes lack.

Deal details and player background

Smallbone signed a three‑year deal after leaving Southampton, where he progressed through the academy and signed his first professional contract in February 2017. He made his senior debut in a 2‑0 FA Cup win over Huddersfield Town, scoring the opener, and later featured in the Sky Bet Championship Play‑Off semi‑final win over West Bromwich Albion, also providing the assist for the decisive final goal at Wembley.

In a statement on the club website Smallbone said, “I’m really looking forward to getting started. I’m hungry and looking forward to being at Leicester City. I have spent a long time playing under the manager previously, I know a few of the boys here and I’ve played against a few of them in my time so I think that should help me to settle in quite quickly.”

The club’s official Twitter account welcomed the midfielder, posting “Midfielder Will Smallbone has joined us on a three‑year deal! ✍️ Delighted to have you, Will 🦊”.

Leicester’s announcement appeared alongside a host of other sport sections – Soccer, Rugby, Golf, Racing, Horse, Boxing, Motorsport, Athletics, NFL, NBA – and featured links to Live Video Review Podcasts, Extra Sport content, and the Football Family Weekly. The page also offered an Upgrade option for subscribers, and listed See More Stories, Log and Nick as navigation elements.

Smallbone’s arrival comes as Leicester prepare for their upcoming League match, and the club hopes his familiarity with several Foxes players will accelerate his integration.