Kevin Muscat has been linked with the vacant Leicester City manager job, with the Shanghai Port boss emerging as a possible candidate as the club weighs up its next move.
The Australian coach has been mentioned as Leicester City continue their search for a new manager, with Muscat’s work at Shanghai Port putting him on the radar as speculation grows around the vacancy.
While no appointment decision has been made, Muscat’s name has begun to feature more prominently in discussions around the Leicester City manager odds, with his price shortening as interest around his candidacy builds.
Who is Kevin Muscat?
Kevin Muscat is currently head coach of Shanghai Port.
He led the club to the 2025 Chinese Super League title, adding to a managerial career that has delivered league success in Australia and Japan.
Muscat previously won multiple domestic honours with Melbourne Victory before guiding Yokohama F. Marinos to the J1 League title.
Muscat is no stranger to English football.
During his playing career, the former Australia international spent several seasons in the English game with Wolverhampton Wanderers, Crystal Palace and Millwall.
That experience gave him first-hand exposure to the physical demands and intensity associated with football in England.
It is a background often viewed as valuable when clubs consider overseas-based coaches.
As a manager, Muscat is closely associated with a high-intensity, front-foot playing style.
His teams are built around pressing, physicality and strong organisation.
That profile has helped place him on Leicester City’s radar.
It has also seen his name feature in wider betting markets, including the Crystal Palace manager odds.
This reflects broader interest in his long-term suitability should circumstances change elsewhere.
Why Kevin Muscat is being linked with Leicester City
Leicester City are currently searching for a new manager following the recent sacking of Marti Cifuentes.
The decision came amid a disappointing campaign, with the club expected to be challenging for promotion but instead finding themselves in mid-table and short of pre-season expectations.
Off-field factors have also added to the uncertainty.
Leicester are facing the possibility of a points deduction, increasing the importance of the club’s next managerial appointment as they look to stabilise both results and direction.
That context has widened the profile of candidates being considered, with experience and resilience viewed as key attributes.
Muscat’s recent success at Shanghai Port, combined with a track record of winning league titles in different countries, has led to his name being mentioned as part of that discussion.
His familiarity with English football is also relevant, having spent several years playing in the country earlier in his career.
Those factors help explain why Muscat has emerged as a potential option as Leicester weigh up their next move.
There has also been a perception in some quarters that Leicester’s squad has lacked edge at times, with the club occasionally viewed as soft or too accommodating in recent seasons.
Muscat’s reputation as a tough and uncompromising figure stands in contrast to that image.
His demanding approach and focus on standards have been central to his success elsewhere.
That mindset is often seen as useful in environments where discipline, intensity and accountability need to be re-established.
What Happens Next for Leicester City?
Leicester City are currently being overseen by Andy King on an interim basis following the recent managerial change.
However, it has been reported that the club are keen to appoint an experienced candidate as they look to reset after a challenging period on and off the pitch.
With promotion ambitions having stalled and wider uncertainty surrounding the club, the emphasis now appears to be on stability and leadership, a context in which Muscat’s record of winning titles and managing pressure helps explain why his name is surfacing.
