 In June 2008, CSKA was in a deep financial crisis and were forced to sell their key players, including Tunchev.Tunchev joined Leicester City on 5 July 2008 for a fee of £375,000, signing a three-year contract.He made his debut in a 2–0 home win over MK Dons on 9 August 2008, scoring his first league goal in a 2–2 home draw against Walsall on 21 October.