Joe Jacobson: Leicester Could Tempt Danny Rohl Away from Sheffield Wednesday
Pundit Joe Jacobson believes Leicester City stand a good chance of luring Danny Rohl from Sheffield Wednesday this summer.
After parting ways with Steve Cooper in November, Leicester brought in Ruud van Nistelrooy as their new manager. However, the appointment has gone poorly, with the Dutchman managing just three wins in 19 matches, alongside one draw and 15 defeats.
Currently 19th in the Premier League, the Foxes are 12 points adrift of safety with only eight games remaining, making relegation back to the Championship appear all but certain.
While it’s unclear if van Nistelrooy will remain in charge next season, Leicester are reportedly considering other managerial options. According to the Daily Mail, Rohl is high on their list if a change is made.
The German coach previously worked with Leicester’s head of recruitment Martyn Glover, which could help persuade him to take the job. However, Southampton — where Rohl was once Ralph Hasenhuttl’s assistant — are also keen and have identified him as their preferred candidate to replace Ivan Juric this summer, setting the stage for a potential battle for his services.
Rohl has earned praise for his work at Sheffield Wednesday, saving them from relegation last season and now guiding them into play-off contention. His release clause is reported to be just £2 million for Championship sides, which would be encouraging news for both Leicester and Southampton.
Jacobson’s Take on Rohl’s Future
Speaking to Football League World, former Wycombe Wanderers defender and current EFL pundit Joe Jacobson said the Leicester job could be a logical next step for Rohl.
“Danny Rohl is building a strong reputation,” Jacobson said. “He’s done a terrific job at Sheffield Wednesday and still has them in with a shot of the play-offs — even if I’m not sure they’ll quite get there.
“He’s already been linked with Southampton, but if Leicester go down, they’ll need someone who knows the Championship and can get the best out of their squad. If van Nistelrooy moves on, Rohl would be a great fit.
“I think managing a top Championship club like Leicester, rather than jumping straight into a struggling Premier League side, would be a smart next step. It’s a natural move up the ladder, and I believe he’d do well there.”
Southampton’s Potential Edge
Although Wednesday fans may be disheartened to see Rohl linked with other clubs, many have already begun to accept the possibility of his summer departure — especially amid reports that players and staff were paid late in March.
While Leicester could offer a tempting proposition, Southampton’s long-standing interest in Rohl — dating back to the sacking of Russell Martin in December — gives them an edge. At the time, they were reportedly unwilling to meet his £4 million release clause, but as a Championship side, they now only need to pay £2 million.
With a prior connection to the Saints and a now-affordable exit fee, Rohl may lean towards a return to St Mary’s — though Leicester are clearly still in the running.
