Ruud van Nistelrooy's tenure as Leicester City manager has come to an end by mutual consent, following the club's recent relegation from the Premier League. The announcement, made on June 27, 2025, marks the conclusion of a challenging period for both the club and the Dutch manager.

Van Nistelrooy, a legendary striker in his playing days, was appointed as Leicester City's manager on November 29, 2024, replacing Steve Cooper. He signed a two-and-a-half-year contract, with high hopes of steering the Foxes to Premier League safety and building a competitive team. His arrival was met with optimism, as he brought a wealth of experience from his time as a player and coach, including a stint as head coach of PSV Eindhoven, where he won the KNVB Cup and Johan Cruyff Shield. He also served as interim manager at Manchester United.

However, Van Nistelrooy faced an uphill battle from the start. Despite an initial victory against West Ham United, Leicester's form deteriorated rapidly. The team struggled to score goals, particularly at home, and ultimately suffered relegation with five matches remaining in the season. They finished 10 points adrift of safety, marking a disappointing end to their Premier League campaign.

Leicester City acknowledged the difficult circumstances Van Nistelrooy faced during his time in charge. In a statement, the club recognized his professionalism, integrity, and commitment to integrating young players from the academy into the first team. Despite the relegation, the club expressed their gratitude for his dedication and hard work, wishing him the best in his future endeavors.

The decision to part ways with Van Nistelrooy was reportedly influenced by financial considerations. Leicester City could not terminate his contract earlier due to the potential impact on their Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) accounts, which were set to be updated on July 1. This suggests that the club was keen to avoid further financial complications following their relegation.

As Leicester City prepares for life back in the Championship, the search for a new manager is underway. The club is reportedly considering several candidates, including Sean Dyche and Danny Rohl. The new manager will face the task of rebuilding the team and mounting a promotion challenge. This marks their second relegation in three seasons.

The club has also been referred to an independent commission by the Premier League for alleged breaches of financial rules in the English Football League during the 2023-24 season, adding to the challenges facing the club. Leicester was previously charged for overspending in the 2022-23 season but argued against it due to their relegation.