Conor Coady Urges Leicester to Finalize Rangers Transfer Ahead of Champions League

Conor Coady has made a strong appeal to Leicester City management, requesting to be excluded from the club’s pre-season tour. This request comes as the 32-year-old defender aims to finalize his transfer to Rangers before the upcoming Champions League qualification match against Panathinaikos. Coady’s urgency is heightened as the first leg of the clash is scheduled for less than a week away.

Coady, a former England international, has expressed his desire to participate in Leicester’s summer friendlies to maintain his fitness levels. Nevertheless, his transfer negotiations have stalled as Leicester’s leadership grapples with preparations for their return to the Championship following their relegation from the Premier League.

Managerial Uncertainty at Leicester

Currently, Leicester City is the only club in English football without a manager as they approach the new season. The appointment of Spaniard Marti Cifuentes is still entangled in bureaucratic delays, with reports suggesting he is awaiting visa approval before settling in the East Midlands. There are concerns that Cifuentes might hesitate to approve Coady’s departure as he evaluates his defensive options.

Despite this uncertainty, Coady remains determined to join Russell Martin’s revamped squad at Ibrox. He is reportedly advocating for the swift completion of his transfer before Leicester departs for a ten-day pre-season training camp in Austria on August 2, 2023. This timing is crucial as Coady aims to integrate into the Rangers setup promptly.

Martin, who recently took over at Rangers, has expressed admiration for Coady and is keen to add him to the squad. The urgency is palpable as Rangers prepare for a critical double header against Panathinaikos, and Coady is eager to contribute.

Rangers’ Summer Recruitment Drive

Rangers’ recruitment efforts have gained momentum, exemplified by the recent signing of 21-year-old winger Djeidi Gassama from Sheffield Wednesday for £2.2 million. Gassama has signed a four-year contract and becomes the seventh addition during a busy summer for the club. Previous signings include Lyall Cameron, Max Aarons, Joe Rothwell, Manny Fernandez, Thelo Aasgaard, and Nasser Djiga.

As Coady awaits a decision from Leicester, fans and analysts are closely monitoring the situation. His potential arrival at Rangers could mark a significant shift in the team’s dynamics as they aim for success in both domestic and European competitions.

With time running out before the critical Champions League match, Coady hopes to secure his place in Martin’s plans and begin the next chapter of his career in Glasgow.