Leicester have confirmed the signing of 22-year-old Red Bull Salzburg striker Patson Daka on a long-term contract until 2026 for a transfer fee believed to be in the region of £ 23 million.
Daka scored 34 times in all competitions for Salzburg last season, after scoring 27 goals during the 2019/20 campaign when he walked in Erling Haaland’s shoes at the club.
“I’m so, so happy to be a part of this fantastic, historic club. It has been my dream and I am so happy and looking forward to what comes next, ”Daka told LCFC.com.
“I have followed Leicester from the time they won the league. I feel it’s the perfect place for me, because it’s a team fighting for titles. I know it will not be easy, but I feel ready to face this new challenge.
“I will give my best for the club every day, and I look forward to seeing Leicester City fans inside the arena soon.”
A Zambian international since the age of 16, Daka will bring goals and depth to Leicester’s attacking options, providing relief and competition for Jamie Vardy and Kelechi Iheanacho.
Vardy turns 35 in January and while he still led the Foxes in Premier League goals last season, with 15, Iheanacho scored more in all competitions. It was the first time since 2014/15 that the veteran did not finish a season as Leicester’s top scorer.
Daka represents the beginning of the next chapter for Leicester as they begin to plan for the future, while providing an immediate boost. He has played and scored goals in both the Champions League and Europa League in recent seasons and will add something else.
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