Report: Nelson eager for Torino move despite initial Leicester City refusal
Quick summary
Leicester City player Nelson is reportedly keen on a transfer to Torino, though the English club initially turned down the Italian side's approach.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceTorino have made a formal offer for Ben Nelson that was turned down by Leicester City, claim reports, but the negotiations continue and he is eager to come to Serie A.
There had already been suggestions from Sky Sport Italia last month that the talks were in progress for the player.
It was noted at the time that the asking price was circa €7m, as Leicester City are in a weak bargaining position after relegation to the English equivalent of Serie C.
Leicester City resist Torino for Nelson LEICESTER, ENGLAND – MARCH 10: Ben Nelson of Leicester City applauds fans after the Sky Bet Championship match between Leicester City and Bristol City at The King Power Stadium on March 10, 2026 in Leicester, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images) According to transfer pundit Fabrizio Romano , an official bid from Torino has been lodged and already rejected by the Foxes.
However, Nelson is eager to make the move to Serie A and his current contract is due to expire at the end of the season.
With the real risk of losing the 22-year-old as a free agent, Leicester City are expected to thrash out an agreement with Torino at slightly improved terms.
Torino director of sport Gianluca Petrachi spoke to the media today when presenting new coach Ignazio Abate and hinted at this strategy.
“The priority is a goalkeeper and two central defenders , that is where we are lacking. We’ve targeted our first choices and are waiting to see what happens there.
“At times, it doesn’t just depend on a player who wants to come, or an agent who already said yes, you need to negotiate. Abate has asked for defenders who can play the ball, and they are not easy to find.”
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What happened
According to reports, Nelson has expressed a strong desire to move to Serie A side Torino, but parent club Leicester City has so far refused the approach. The situation remains in the negotiation stage, with Torino expected to return with an improved offer. The player's eagerness to join the Italian club suggests personal terms are not expected to be a stumbling block. No concrete fee or loan structure has been confirmed at this stage.
Chance analysis
This is an emerging transfer situation between an English Championship/Premier League side and a mid-table Serie A club. Torino's pursuit indicates they see Nelson as a reinforcement, while Leicester's initial refusal could mean they're either holding out for a better fee or haven't decided on squad planning. The player's willingness is a positive signal for Torino's negotiating position. Until Leicester's stance changes or a formal offer is accepted, this remains speculative with limited immediate impact on either side's upcoming fixtures.
Potential Torino reinforcement if completed; potential Leicester squad depth loss if Nelson departs, though no concrete impact until the deal is finalized.
Monitor for official confirmation; if the deal goes through, Torino gain squad depth while Leicester lose a rotation option, but neither move is decisive for match prediction until confirmed.