Derby County confirm exit of 31-y/o defender – Leicester City must pounce immediately

A decade on from their unforgettable Premier League title triumph under Claudio Ranieri, Leicester City now find themselves preparing for life in League One after suffering a third relegation in four seasons.

The Foxes’ fall into the third tier — only the second time in their history — leaves the club facing a crucial summer both on and off the pitch. Financial concerns are mounting following relegation, and failing to secure an immediate return could deepen the problems further.

Leicester are still yet to appoint a head coach for next season, while several high earners are expected to depart. Every transfer decision will therefore carry huge importance, and one smart early move could be the signing of experienced defender Callum Elder on a free transfer.

Elder originally came through Leicester’s academy system and spent time on loan at clubs including Mansfield Town, Peterborough United, Brentford, Barnsley, Wigan Athletic and Ipswich Town before leaving permanently for Hull City in 2019, having never made a senior appearance for the Foxes.

The Australian full-back established himself as a dependable figure at Hull across both the Championship and League One before joining Derby County on a free transfer in 2022.

Despite missing the latter stages of this season through knee surgery, Elder remained an important player under John Eustace following the departure of Paul Warne. Derby have since confirmed that the 31-year-old will leave Pride Park upon the expiry of his contract.

During his time with Derby, Elder made 86 appearances in all competitions, contributing one goal and five assists. This season alone, he featured 29 times in the league while registering five assists.

Although not a headline-grabbing signing, Elder could prove to be exactly the type of player Leicester need. His experience, leadership qualities and proven record of earning promotion from League One with Wigan, Hull and Derby make him an ideal candidate to help steady the club during a difficult period.

With Leicester expected to lean heavily on younger players next season, bringing in experienced professionals who understand the demands of the division could be vital. Elder already knows the club well, and a return to the King Power Stadium may represent a practical and low-risk move as the Foxes attempt to rebuild.