Foxes snap up Aussie Souttar
HARRY RELISHES CRACK AT EPL
SOCCEROOS star Harry Souttar is excited about the “challenge” of English Premier League football after signing a five-and-a-half-year deal with Leicester City
The Foxes on Wednesday confirmed that the 24-yearold central defender had joined them from second-tier Stoke City.
While the transfer fee wasn’t revealed, it was reportedly worth $27 million which would be a record for a Socceroos player.
“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.”
His transfer fee eclipses the $14m Huddersfield paid Manchester City for Aussie Aaron Mooy in 2007 which surpassed Mark Viduka’s $10m move from Celtic to Leeds in 2000.
Souttar had been linked with a move to the Premier League more than 12 months ago before suffering a serious knee injury while playing for the Socceroos in a World Cup qualifier against Saudi Arabia in November, 2021.
He recovered just in time to play a crucial role in the heart of Australia’s defence at last year’s World Cup.
Born in Scotland, the towering Souttar joined Stoke in 2017 from Dundee United.
Socceroos great Robbie Slater tipped Souttar – who stands at 198cm – to play a key role in Leicester’s bid to push up the table.
“It’s great to see a Socceroo back in the Premier League,” said Slater, who won the title with Blackburn Rovers in 1995. “Harry had a perfect recovery from his injury and was a standout at the World Cup, so it was just a matter of time before he made the step up to the Premier League.
“It’s now his challenge to cement a spot in Leicester’s first-team but he’s obviously rated highly by Brendan Rodgers, who is a very good manager. Harry’s height is a massive advantage but he’s also very good on the ball. He’s a really good pick-up for Leicester.”
Teen sensation Garang Kuol was the most recent Socceroo to ink an EPL deal, signed by Newcastle United before being loaned to Scottish club Hearts.
Souttar, who qualifies to play for Australia via his mother’s heritage, debuted for the Socceroos in 2019 and has scored six goals in 13 senior national team appearances.
He also represented Australia at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. Souttar could make his Leicester debut this weekend against Aston Villa at Villa Park. The Foxes are 14th on the ladder.