Socceroos defender Harry Souttar has become the latest Australian to earn a contract in the Premier League, signing a five-and-a-half year deal with Leicester City.
The Australian will reportedly earn £15 million ($A26m) after the move away from Stoke was confirmed on Wednesday, with Souttar now contracted with the Foxes until the summer of 2028.
The deal would be a record transfer for an Australian, passing Aaron Mooy’s £10 million deal with Huddersfield.
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“I’m delighted to join such a great football club and challenging myself in the Premier League is an opportunity that I couldn’t turn down,” Souttar said.
“There are world-class facilities here and a squad full of fantastic players, so I can’t wait to get started.”
The Foxes have been consistently linked with the Socceroo throughout the window, but had stepped up their interest as boss Brendan Rodgers looked to continue strengthening his squad.
Souttar’s outstanding performances for Australia in the recent World Cup only further strengthened his chances of earning an opportunity in the Premier League.
While that slide tackle against Tunisia will continue to be watched on repeat by Australian football fans in years to come Souttar was a consistent force in defence for the Socceroos in the tournament.
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The latest update surrounding Souttar was a major turn in events given Potters boss Alex Neil expected the Aussie to stick around in Stoke for the rest of the season.
Although those at Stoke City may be sad to see him move, those at Dundee United, the club where Souttar began his career, will have champagne on ice.
The Daily Record claims that the Tangerines will receive $5m due to a 20 per cent sell-on clause inserted into the deal that brought the Aussie to Stoke in 2016.
