Ruud van Nistelrooy’s long-anticipated exit as Leicester City manager has finally been confirmed—over two months after the club’s painful relegation from the Premier League. His departure ends a chaotic chapter marked by historic defeats, internal confusion, and growing uncertainty over the Foxes’ future in the English Football League.

A Downward Spiral

The 48-year-old Dutchman managed just five wins in 27 games, with 19 defeats to his name. Appointed in November after Steve Cooper’s dismissal, Van Nistelrooy inherited a struggling squad and briefly sparked optimism with a debut win over West Ham. But that momentum quickly vanished, and Leicester plunged into the relegation zone within weeks.

Apart from a brief lift after beating Spurs in late January, Leicester spent the final five months rooted in the bottom three. They ended the campaign 13 points adrift of safety in 18th place, confirming their drop with five matches remaining. Their form at the King Power was historically poor—nine consecutive home losses without scoring, a top-flight record.

Exit Delays and Criticism

Despite relegation being sealed in April, Van Nistelrooy saw out the season and bizarrely remained in post for another month. His exit, confirmed as a “mutual agreement,” drew criticism from fans and former players alike. Ex-striker Matt Fryatt described the handling as “baffling” and “a mess.”

Van Nistelrooy thanked the club’s staff and players for their professionalism, stating, “I would like to wish the club well for the future,” in a farewell message via Leicester’s website.

What’s Next for the Foxes?

As Leicester head into their second Championship season in three years, the search for a new manager intensifies. Former Everton and Burnley boss Sean Dyche is the frontrunner to take charge. In the meantime, first-team coaching staff will oversee pre-season preparations, with the new campaign kicking off against Sheffield Wednesday on 10 August.

However, the problems run deeper. The club is under investigation for allegedly breaching EFL financial rules, a charge that could see them start the season with a points deduction, adding further pressure to an already turbulent rebuild.

From Premier League champions to second-tier uncertainty in less than a decade, Leicester’s fall has been swift and Van Nistelrooy’s troubled tenure is the latest symbol of a club desperately searching for direction.