Former Leicester Strikers Face Contrasting Fortunes as Foxes Suffer Up Front
The primary reason behind Leicester City’s consecutive relegations has been the absence of a dependable, high-scoring center forward.
During the 2024/25 season, Jamie Vardy was left isolated up front after Kelechi Iheanacho departed for Sevilla. Vardy’s nine goals weren’t enough to prevent Leicester from dropping out of the Premier League. Following Vardy’s own departure the next season, the goal-scoring responsibilities fell to Jordan Ayew and Patson Daka, who managed a combined total of just 12 Championship goals. Despite secondary contributions from the midfield and wings, additional forwards like Odsonne Edouard and Julian Carranza failed to fill the void.
Meanwhile, the club’s former strike duo experienced vastly different outcomes over the weekend.
Jamie Vardy’s Relegation Battle in Italy
Now playing for Cremonese, 38-year-old Jamie Vardy scored in his second consecutive match to secure a crucial 1-0 victory over Udinese. The goal—his seventh in Serie A—initially put Cremonese’s survival in their own hands ahead of a final-day match against Cesc Fabregas’ Como.
However, their situation worsened later in the weekend when relegation rivals Lecce scored a 96th-minute winner against Sassuolo. The result pushed Lecce one point and one spot ahead of 18th-placed Cremonese. If Lecce wins their final match against Genoa, Vardy will experience his second consecutive club relegation.
Kelechi Iheanacho’s Title Triumph with Celtic
In contrast, Kelechi Iheanacho has enjoyed a career resurgence. After leaving Leicester for Sevilla in 2024, his contract was terminated 14 months later. He subsequently signed a one-year deal with Celtic under Brendan Rodgers. After recovering from a hamstring injury, Iheanacho became a pivotal figure in the club’s title push.
On Saturday, with Celtic trailing 1-0 at halftime and on the verge of losing the Scottish championship to Hearts, Iheanacho came off the bench to inspire a 3-1 comeback victory. The win secured Celtic’s fifth consecutive league title.
Reflecting on the dramatic victory, Iheanacho expressed his joy to Celtic TV, calling the turbulent season “crazy” and worthy of a documentary. He ranked the “drama trophy” among the highest achievements of his career, which includes an FA Cup win with Leicester in 2021.
Looking Ahead
Iheanacho has the opportunity to complete a league and cup double this Saturday against Dunfermline, while Vardy faces a decisive final-day relegation showdown against Como on Sunday.
