Leicester City are making waves behind the scenes as they look to kickstart a bold new attacking era, with one name dominating the discussion: Sam Greenwood. The Foxes, reeling from the emotional departure of club legend Jamie Vardy, are reportedly weighing up a blockbuster move for the versatile Leeds United forward — and the timing couldn’t be more dramatic.
Greenwood, just 23 and already hailed as “brilliant”, is coming off a loan spell at Preston North End where he impressed with seven goals. With a reputation for technical excellence, a lethal set-piece delivery, and the rare gift of being ambipedal, Greenwood has emerged as a prime target for a Leicester side hungry to return to the Premier League. According to Simon Jones, the Foxes are deep in consideration over Greenwood’s potential signing — a move that could become their first major piece of business this summer.
Amid speculation of further exits — with names like Mads Hermansen and Bilal El Khannouss potentially following Vardy and Danny Ward out the door — Leicester’s interest in Greenwood hints at a strategic reboot, not just a quick fix. Greenwood, who can operate across the frontline or even in a deeper No. 10 role, offers the positional flexibility and goal-scoring instinct crucial for a grueling 46-match Championship season.
What makes the story even more gripping is the tug-of-war forming behind the scenes. Greenwood’s hometown club Sunderland have also reportedly entered the race following their stunning last-minute promotion to the Premier League — sealed by a Tom Watson injury-time screamer. The North East side could play the sentimental card in their pursuit, but Leicester might just have the project and profile to lure Greenwood away from home.
Despite the uncertainty around Ruud Van Nistelrooy’s managerial future, it’s believed he will remain in charge heading into pre-season. His initial Premier League stint may have been forgettable — a disastrous nine-match losing run without a point — but the Championship represents a clean slate. And Greenwood might just be the perfect player to lead that renaissance.
In his own words back in 2020, Greenwood said, “I am a striker who is both footed and like to make runs in behind and like to run at defenders and find half a yard and get my shots off.” That self-description remains as relevant as ever — especially for a Leicester side in need of exactly that kind of attacking verve.
But it’s not just about flair — Greenwood brings end product. Between his time in youth ranks at Arsenal and Leeds, he racked up over 40 goals, proving his sharp eye for goal. Even during deeper-lying roles in the Championship, he has bagged 12 goals, showcasing a level of maturity and adaptability beyond his years.
Leicester fans will also remember Greenwood’s devastating impact firsthand — a stunning free-kick for Middlesbrough against the Foxes last season was a reminder of what he can do with just a single opportunity. That moment, widely shared on social media, may have planted the seed for this transfer pursuit.
Should Leicester make their move soon, it would be a statement of intent — a bold step toward rebuilding an attacking force capable of powering them back to the top flight. Greenwood could be the face of the club’s next chapter, one that blends youthful ambition with a proven eye for goal.
And in a post-Vardy era, that might just be what Leicester needs most.
