Alex McCarthy has joined Leicester City on a two-year contract, reuniting with manager Russell Martin ahead of their League One campaign. The 36-year-old goalkeeper arrived on a free transfer to compete with Jakub Stolarczyk for the starting spot.
Leicester City are reshaping their goalkeeping department following summer squad changes. Jakub Stolarczyk started the Carabao Cup win over Northampton, completing 43 of 46 passes as Leicester dominated ball possession. Franco Ravizzoli also signed from Blackpool after Fran Vieites mutually agreed to leave. McCarthy missed the cup match with a minor knock but could make his Leicester debut against Notts County this weekend.
Russell Martin’s tactical setup demands keepers who are comfortable playing out from the back. McCarthy highlighted the tactical adjustment under his former Southampton boss: “It’s a lot different, you’re not just there to make saves, you’re building up play, a lot comes through you, so it’s a very important part of the game for his style of play,” The veteran detailed the team’s training focus: “Training-wise we do a lot more with the ball at our feet. It’s just about being calm and relaxed, obviously we need the movement from the lads in front of us to give us the options. As long as we have the options, it gives us a great foundation to play how we want to play.”
Competition for the starting shirt will remain intense throughout the campaign. McCarthy stressed that maintaining positive relationships inside the goalkeeping unit remains essential. “Coming here and meeting Jakub and the other lads has been great, they’ve been great with me. Obviously it’s a little bit different as opposed to the outfield boys, but it’s important, every day, that we push each other, whoever’s playing, supporting and doing what you can do.”
Martin was instrumental in convincing McCarthy to drop into League One despite interest from higher divisions. “I had a chat with him, went away on holiday with my family and then kept speaking with him over the summer, then things started to progress.” Leicester now aim to build immediate momentum as they chase promotion back to the Championship.
