Russell Martin Nears Appointment as Leicester Manager

Russell Martin is reportedly close to accepting the managerial position at Leicester City. The 40-year-old former Scotland international is set to return to management for the first time since his departure from Rangers in October.

Martin previously guided Southampton to the Premier League in the 2023-24 season, winning the Championship play-offs. His tenure at Rangers lasted 17 games, where he was sacked when the team was eighth in the Scottish Premiership. He has also managed MK Dons and Swansea.

Leicester had previously shown interest in appointing Martin last summer before he joined Rangers. The club instead appointed Marti Cifuentes, who was sacked in January after six months. Under interim boss Gary Rowett, Leicester suffered back-to-back relegations, dropping into League One after their Premier League demotion in the 2024-25 season. The club was also docked six points for breaching English Football League financial rules.

If appointed, Martin would be Leicester's seventh manager in just over three years, following Brendan Rodgers' departure in April 2023.

According to Yahoo Sports Soccer, a final decision on Martin's appointment was anticipated this weekend.