Leicester City Target £18m Sale of Skipp and Mavididi
Leicester City are seeking an £18m windfall from the sale of Oliver Skipp and Stephy Mavididi, with Middlesbrough reportedly eyeing the winger. Manager Russell Martin has acknowledged that further departures may be necessary as the club reshapes its squad after falling from the Premier League to League One.
The Foxes have been adjusting to life in the third tier, and the potential sale of two of their most sought‑after players could provide much-needed funds. Skipp is listed at £12 million, while Mavididi is valued at £6 million, a combined potential return of £18 million. The club is also reportedly demanding £10 million for Harry Souttar, indicating a strategy to extract significant value from players built at a higher level.
Recent Performance and Squad Uncertainty
Mavididi was omitted from Leicester’s squad for the League One match against Notts County earlier this month, despite featuring during pre‑season. Skipp returned to the starting XI for the clash with Burton Albion, but his comeback was cut short when he received a straight red card after just 29 minutes. The Foxes’ 2‑1 defeat to Burton, where they were booed off the pitch, highlighted the challenges facing Martin’s side.
These events underscore the likelihood that both Skipp and Mavididi could leave before the transfer window closes. Their future at the club is uncertain, and the club’s financial situation makes maximising transfer income a priority.
Middlesbrough’s Interest in Mavididi
According to Alan Nixon, Middlesbrough have expressed interest in Mavididi and are still assessing attacking options. The Championship club has reportedly considered a move for the winger, though they are also exploring loan alternatives. Middlesbrough’s interest comes at a time when the club is also monitoring Jack Clarke of Ipswich Town, a player heavily involved with the Tractor Boys.
The potential £6 million valuation for Mavididi could complicate Boro’s pursuit, especially given the risk of signing a player who may not fit their long‑term plans. The club has been warned about the ‘risky’ nature of the signing, and the Foxes may need to balance the desire for a transfer fee with the need to offload players unlikely to commit to a League One project.
Balancing Fees and Squad Overhaul
Leicester’s ambition to avoid selling valuable players cheaply is understandable, but the club may need to temper expectations to move unwanted players off the books quickly. Skipp and Mavididi may not want to spend the season in League One, and the club must decide which players will form the core of a promotion campaign.
The pursuit of £18 million must not eclipse the need to build a coherent squad for the next season. Holding out for every last pound risks leaving both parties unsettled: the player remains unsettled and the club carries a sizeable wage bill for someone who may not be part of its long‑term plans.
