With their relegation to League One marking two consecutive relegations for Leicester City, headlines have rightly spelled out that dark times are underway for the Foxes.
The weight of the collapse goes without saying, timeless overachievers after lifting the Premier League title in 2016 to the Championship’s biggest disappointment in 2026. And while questions of further financial turmoil are looming over the King Power Stadium, fans can still be enthused by the return of their academy product, Sammy Braybrooke.
Aged 22, the young star has featured on loan for two clubs in League Two this season, and could yet add a promotion to his CV with the play-offs set to take place.
Who Is Sammy Braybrooke?
Braybrooke has been with Leicester City for a long time, and his time to feature for the East Midlands outfit could be soon. Having played for various ranks in the Foxes’ academy system, he has also featured at various levels in the England youth set-up.
Last season saw the midfielder feature on loan at Dundee FC during the first half of the campaign, making only eight appearances. However, this season has marked a real upturn in the youngster’s career trajectory.
In the summer, he made the move to Newport County. And despite the Exile’s torrid start to the campaign, Braybrooke took well to the demands of regular first-team football. In total, he made 22 appearances for the South Wales side and scored two goals, one of which was from his own half.
Having proven capable at the League Two level, he moved further up the fourth-tier table to join Chesterfield in their chase for promotion. The signing initially went under the radar, being amongst a flurry of names to make a winter switch to the Proact, but he made a quick impression.
In Paul Cook’s midfield, he has perfectly complemented the likes of Tom Naylor and Ryan Stirk in the middle of the park. Capable of operating in various positions in midfield, he has shown himself to be an incredibly adaptable and intelligent asset for the Spireites – even earning the title ‘Midlands Modric’.
Can Braybrooke Make The Step To League One?
Simply, yes. The midfielder’s stock is incredibly high after his trajectory has accelerated amid two strong loan spells in England’s fourth tier.
Chesterfield’s fanbase seems resigned to the fact that the midfielder will likely not feature in their squad next season, even if they are to win promotion back to League One. His ability clearly exceeds League Two, while he has proven he can rise to the big occasion, starring in play-off six-pointers against Grimsby Town and Swindon Town.
His skillset is unique, a vastly sought-after one. Able to operate effectively as either a #6 or #10, he would be a major asset for any squad below the Championship.
With Chesterfield set to play Notts County in their first-leg play-off fixture, he will certainly be one to watch.
How Can Braybrooke Improve Leicester City Next Season?
Currently, it is difficult to call what state Leicester City’s squad will be in come August. With their wages reportedly far exceeding that of their opponents for next season, huge cuts and mass outgoings can be expected.
Still with the likes of Harry Winks and Hamza Choudhury still on the wage bill, the Foxes will likely need to tread with caution while operating in the summer window. And meanwhile, they can expect a fire sale for their star players, namely Abdul Fatuwu. That’s where Leicester can turn to their youth academy.
And no player seems more ready and hungry to step up to the challenge than Braybrooke. With high stock and proven ability, he would also be a cheaper alternative in a window where their budget will need to be managed tightly if they are to return to the Championship.
But regardless of Leicester City’s stance, there is no doubt that Braybrooke is one to watch in the third tier of English football next season.
