LEICESTER CITY have finally announced Ruud van Nistelrooy is LEAVING the club 34 days after the end of the season.
The Dutch manager oversaw the Foxes’ relegation from the Premier League after replacing Steve Cooper in December.
Van Nistelrooy, 48, had been expected to leave the King Power Stadium after the club’s relegation was confirmed.
The Sun exclusively revealed that the delay was due to Leicester wanting to wait for the next football “accounting” period.
His exit was confirmed by the club, which stated they had “mutually agreed” to terminate his contract.
Van Nistelrooy said: “I would like to personally thank the Leicester City players, coaches, academy and all the staff I have worked with for their professionalism and dedication during my time at the club and to thank the fans for their support, and take this opportunity to wish the club well for the future.鈥
The club was thankful to the manager for his “dedication and hard work” during his reign.
A statement added: “Preparation for the EFL Championship season will continue with the planned start of pre-season on Monday 30 June.
“First Team coaching staff will oversee the delivery of those plans until a new manager is appointed.”
Van Nistelrooy’s time in charge in the East Midlands was less than inspiring as the team returned to the second tier with a whimper.
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He only managed four wins in 25 Premier League games and racked up 18 defeats.
The club lost 15 league games between December 14 and April 12, with only one win to add some cheer, which came against Tottenham on January 26.
As a result, the club finished the season in 18th place – 13 points adrift from 17th-placed Spurs.
Sean Dyche is the favourite to take up the hotseat at the King Power Stadium, ahead of Sheffield Wednesday boss Danny Rohl and axed former Middlesbrough manager Michael Carrick.
The English manager has been out of work since he was sacked by Everton in January.
The former Burnley man was in charge of the Toffees for less than two years before David Moyes replaced him.
Dyche will not have far to travel as he currently lives up the M1 in Nottingham.
Meanwhile, Leicester are still anxiously waiting on the points penalty they will pick up for past financial offences.
This could see the club start the new season on negative points if they are docked any.
If appointed, Dyche could also have to manage with a restricted budget – something he is accustomed to at his previous clubs.
Leicester had previously been linked with former Southampton manager Russell Martin but he has since taken the Rangers job.
Van Nistelrooy will now have to rebuild the managerial reputation he built up during his time at PSV and as caretaker boss at Manchester United.
In his homeland of Holland, he won the KNVB Cup in 2023 and the Johan Cruyff Shield.
He took charge of four games at the Red Devils after Erik ten Hag was axed in October 2024.
He did not lose a single game as he masterminded two wins over Leicester and one against PAOK in the Europa League.
He did manage a 1-1 draw against Chelsea in the Premier League.