Leicester set to sign free agent Will Smallbone on 3-year deal

Leicester City are set to complete the signing of Will Smallbone on a three-year contract after the midfielder left Southampton as a free agent. The development emerged on Thursday morning.

As first reported by John Percy, Leicester are moving to finalise the free transfer, with the Republic of Ireland international expected to join once final steps are completed. The reporting points to the deal being close rather than done, with routine formalities still to clear.

Smallbone was a key figure in Russell Martin’s Southampton side during the 2023-24 campaign, contributing in midfield across the season that ended with promotion. His availability on the market has prompted a swift move to secure his next club.

The language around the move suggests an agreement in place but stops short of a completed transfer. There has been no official announcement from the clubs at this stage, and the reporting does not reference a medical. Specific administrative details beyond the three-year term have not been disclosed.

If finalised, the signing would add a recent promotion winner to Leicester’s midfield group without a transfer fee. The length of the proposed contract indicates a medium-term commitment and underlines a plan to integrate Smallbone as a core squad option.