47-year-old Dutch legend emerges as contender for Leicester job

Although Enzo Maresca hasn’t yet put pen to paper on his contract with Chelsea, Leicester City are already preparing for his departure by scouring the market for possible replacements.

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The Foxes have come back up to the Premier League at the first time of asking, and in order to not be yo-yoing between the divisions, they need a manager that can continue Maresca’s good work in the King Power Stadium dugout.

Leicester looking at van Nistelrooy

Clearly, having someone with Premier League experience as either a player or manager is a must, and therefore, Ruud van Nistelrooy certainly fits the bill.

Belgian journalist, Sacha Tavolieri, has noted via X (formerly Twitter) that the former Man United striker is being considered as an option to take over at the club.

? Infos #LCFC :

?? Ruud Van Nistelrooy’s considered as an option to substitute Enzo Maresca who’s set to be appointed as new manager of Chelsea Football Club. Confirmed. #PL #PSV #mercato pic.twitter.com/Kbo9sOETvA

— Sacha Tavolieri (@sachatavolieri) May 29, 2024

Although he’s spent his entire managerial career in his native Netherlands, the bulk of his playing days were spent at Man United alongside some legendary players.

The Dutchman will have arguably learned much from his manager at Old Trafford, Sir Alex Ferguson, and the 47-year-old can apply those principles to his own post-playing career.

He also knows what it takes to be successful in the English top-flight and can bring his United experience to bear.

Losing Maresca this summer, directly after seeing the club promoted as winners of the Championship, is unlikely to have been on the agenda for the Foxes board, however, it’s a situation that the club need to deal with, and quickly.

The longer the Midlands-based side leave it, the more difficult this summer and pre-season is likely to be for any new incumbent.

With the summer transfer window to open again shortly, having a new man in place already will be of enormous help to the club ahead of the new season.