Wolves have confirmed the departure of Conor Coady to Leicester City in an £8.5m deal. The former Wolves captain leaves Molineux after an impressive eight-year tenure, during which he made over 300 appearances and secured his place in the club’s history books.
Coady joined Wolves from Huddersfield in 2015 and went on to captain the team that clinched the Championship title three years later. He also led the team to two consecutive seventh-place finishes in the Premier League and guided them to the quarter-finals of the Europa League.
Despite his previous success, the 30-year-old defender fell out of favor under former manager Bruno Lage at the start of last season. Consequently, Coady spent the 2022-23 campaign on loan at Everton after the Toffees declined to exercise their £4.5m option to buy.
With the likelihood of being used sparingly as a squad player, Coady opted for a move to Leicester, where he can prioritize regular playing time. The move to the Foxes represents an attractive opportunity for the English international, who has been capped 10 times for his country.
Wolves’ sporting director, Matt Hobbs, expressed his gratitude to Coady for his tremendous service to the club both on and off the pitch. Hobbs acknowledged Coady’s pivotal role as captain, leading the club from the Championship to the Premier League and European competitions. He described Coady as a brilliant footballer and an exceptional person, and emphasized the pride Coady felt every time he represented Wolves.
However, despite working out well for all parties involved, Coady’s departure from Wolves was not without a heavy heart. The club acknowledged Coady’s immense contributions over the years and assured he would forever be remembered in their proud history.
In return for Coady’s services, Wolves will receive an initial £7.5m from Leicester, with an additional £1m potentially due if the defender helps the Foxes make a return to the Premier League. Leicester suffered relegation last season and is determined to bounce back to the top flight under their new acquisition.
Coady’s move to Leicester represents a new chapter in his career, offering him a fresh start and the opportunity to continue performing at the highest level. The transfer allows him to join a club with ambitions to regain their Premier League status, providing him with the regular game time he desires.
Wolves bid farewell to Conor Coady with gratitude for his immense contributions and an acknowledgment of his lasting impact on the club’s legacy. Leicester City welcomes the experienced defender, hoping that his expertise and leadership skills will aid their pursuit of promotion.
