Exclusive – Leicester City are close to completing the signing of Red Bull Salzburg striker Patson Daka, after averting late interest from a number of Premier League clubs.
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The 22-year-old stepped into Erling Haaland’s shoes in Salzburg and enjoyed an outstanding season 2020/21, scoring 34 goals and contributing another 12 assists in 42 appearances – a form that attracted admirers from all over Europe.
It is Leicester who have won the race for Daka’s signature and strike a deal to bring Zambia International to King Power Stadium for just under £ 30 million, but sources have confirmed in 90 minutes that a handful of Premier League sides tried to sweep in until the last minute. .
Three of Leicester’s rivals called Salzburg and Daka late to try to reach a settlement, although the clubs in question are still unknown. Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea, Tottenham, Arsenal, Everton and Wolves have all saved Daka deeper before.
Despite these offers, Daka has chosen to join Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers, who he believes is the perfect boss to take his career to the next level.
Daka is keen to connect with Rodgers / Shaun Botterill / Getty Images
Rodgers has helped bring out the best in a number of young players in the Leicester squad, such as James Justin, Youri Tielemans, James Maddison and Wilfred Ndidi, all of whom are thriving during the Northern Ireland.
Leicester turned to Daka after seeing a move for Rodgers’ preferred goal, Celtic hitman Odsonne Edouard, collapse in the last minute.
A deal for the Frenchman was considered close to completion and had basically been agreed upon a few weeks ago. But the talks between Leicester and Celtic broke down in the final stages and led the foxes to look elsewhere.
Leicester have signed Celtics’ Odsonne Edouard / Ian MacNicol / Getty Images
Negotiations with Daka were quick and efficient, and Leicester wasted some time convincing him that moving to King Power was best for his development.
Together with Daka, Leicester are close to reaching an agreement to sign Lille midfielder Boubakary Soumare, who played 32 games for the Ligue 1 title winners last season.
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