Leicester City have put forward a bid for free‑agent striker Mikael Mandron as they scramble to replace departing forwards before the 2026/27 Championship campaign begins.

Who is Mikael Mandron and why is he on Leicester’s radar?

Mandron, 31, left Scottish Premiership side St Mirren on 30 June when his contract expired. He scored 13 goals and supplied 10 assists across all competitions last season, including a brace in the League Cup semi‑final against Motherwell. Though only four of those came in league play, his overall contribution convinced Leicester’s scouting team that he could add depth and experience to a front line that lost Jordan James, Abdul Fatawu and Jordan Ayew over the summer.

How does the signing fit Leicester’s current situation?

The Foxes sit 23rd in the Championship with 46 points from 46 games, a record of 12 wins, 16 draws and 18 losses, and a recent form of W‑D‑D‑L‑L. They have scored 58 goals while conceding 68, leaving them ten behind the league average. Being 49 points adrift of leaders Coventry, Leicester need fresh attacking options to stop the slide and avoid a relegation battle. Adding Mandron could give manager Enzo Maresca a reliable target man for set‑pieces and a player accustomed to the physical demands of English lower‑league football.

What do fans think about the potential deal?

Leicester supporters are split. Some praise the club for acting quickly, noting Mandron’s proven record in the Scottish Cup and his familiarity with the English game from spells at Colchester, Crewe and Gillingham. Others argue the Foxes should aim higher, pointing out that Mandron has only three Championship appearances in his career and is now 31. The debate mirrors the reaction at Charlton Athletic, where fans fear the signing could be a step down rather than a boost.

What are the next steps for the transfer?

Leicester’s recruitment department is expected to negotiate personal terms with the French forward in the coming days. If an agreement is reached, the club will announce the signing before the summer transfer window closes on 31 August. Should the deal fall through, Leicester will likely turn to the loan market or explore other free agents to fill the void left by the departing attackers.

The club’s urgency reflects a broader strategy to stabilise the squad after a season that saw them concede 68 goals and finish near the bottom of the table. With Mandron potentially joining the Foxes, Leicester hopes to add a proven goal‑scorer who can adapt quickly and help them climb out of the relegation zone.