A move to MLS could beckon for Ayoze Perez, as he prepares to leave Leicester City on a free transfer following their relegation.
It was something of a horror campaign for the Foxes as they succumbed to the drop on the final day of the season, joining Southampton and Leeds United in the Championship. The surprise relegation brought to a close a glorious nine-year stay in the top flight which brought a famous Premier League triumph in 2016, as well as an FA Cup just two years ago.
The Foxes finished in fifth position in the league in consecutive seasons, prior to finishing eighth during 2021/22. However, a nightmarish season ultimately brought a golden era at the King Power Stadium to a close as Dean Smith failed to keep them up after Brendan Rodgers' sacking.
One player who was absent throughout the club's shock descent towards the Championship, however, was Ayoze Perez. The Spanish attacker spent the second half of last season on loan La Liga side Real Betis, helping the side to sixth place finish.
In all, he bagged six goal contributions during his time in Seville, during what was a largely fruitful spell after a tricky start to the season in the Premier League where he started just three games. In all, he made 15 goals and 12 assists from 114 appearances in the English top flight.
Back in February, he explained his reasons for leaving Leicester on a temporary deal, telling Estadio Deportivo: "At this point in my career it is very important to have that support from the coach and, obviously, also because of all that it means for me sportingly.
“At this point in my career, such an important move, I needed to feel the coach’s support and desire to have me in his team. For me that was the main thing beyond the details of the contract. He wanted me here and that caught my attention. It was the trigger to come here.”
It appears that the former Newcastle United man has played his final game for his parent club, with his contract set to expire imminently. The 29-year-old is among seven names who are already confirmed to be departing Leicester City this summer ahead of a potential exodus following their relegation.
The likes of Daniel Amartey, Caglar Soyuncu, and Youri Tielemans will also leave the club this summer as the club prepares for life back in the second tier. It does appear as though Perez will have a host of potential suitors in the coming months, with a move to the MLS maybe on the cards.
According to Tom Bogert of the Athletic, the former Spain U-21s international has already had contact with one unnamed MLS club. He said on Twitter: "At least one MLS club reached out to Perez to look into his salary asks. It wouldn't be cheap, but feeling is he'd come for the right price. Good option for an in-prime DP."
