Leicester City must follow up Jayden Joseph agreement with deal for out-of-contract first-team star

Leicester City have not made the ideal start to life in League One. LCFC have won just one of their first five league matches, most recently suffering a heavy 4-0 loss to Oxford United as early pressure grows on manager Russell Martin. However, while the boss looks to get a tune out of his squad, the Foxes have to remain focused on preparing for the long-term. The new contract for emerging prospect Jayden Joseph proves this, tying him down to a deal until 2030 amid his senior breakthrough. Leicester City have more work to do on this front though. As it stands, new midfield star Sammy Braybrooke is out of contract at the end of this season, and the club must act to ensure he does not leave on the cheap in 2027. Braybrooke has been in the academy of his hometown club from a young age, working his way through the ranks and into senior football. After a short spell in Scotland with Dundee, he announced himself in the EFL with two excellent loans last term, starring with Newport County before a winter switch to Chesterfield. His form saw many tipping him for a breakthrough at the King Power Stadium regardless of whether they stayed in the Championship or suffered relegation. On the drop to League One, Braybrooke has come into the side and locked down a starting spot in the middle of the park. In a start to the season with few positives, Braybrooke has been one shining light. Operating as a central midfielder or in a more advanced area, the 22-year-old's technical ability and composure in possession sees him play a key role in keeping the ball moving. He isn't a big physical presence but he reads the game smartly to intercept play and distribute, making him ideal for a key role in Martin's setup. Braybrooke can hold a crucial role in LCFC's rebuild. Ideally, they will keep him as a star player for the years to come. Alternatively, he could yield a big profit when sold to a club higher up the food chain. But, for either of those scenarios, it is paramount that the Foxes tie him down to a new contract. It would be a huge blunder by the club to let Braybrooke leave on the cheap with his deal running out at the end of the season. Leicester City haven't had much to cheer about in recent times. They've gone from the highs of Premier League title glory to a yo-yo club, one that has now dropped as low as League One. A complete overhaul is required, and the start to this season shows just how much work LCFC still have to do. However, having retained Category One stats, the academy can be a source of new stars for the future. Braybrooke and Joseph aren't the only new prospects to break into the team. Louis Page has long been viewed as an elite prospect and he has emerged in the senior side under Martin, while there are hopes over Will Alves, Bade Aluko, new centre-back Ilari Kangasniemi and Lorenz Hutchinson too. The academy can be a source of positivity for the fans and new talent for the senior side, but Martin must find a winning formula on the pitch first. Enjoyed that? Add us to your Google sources See more EFL transfer news and match reaction from The72, first, in Google Search. Add us on Google