Djoum’s Saudi switch confirmed after four years with Hearts

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wrong in one, it can cause compensation and strain elsewhere.

“I was hoping he’d be fit by now but he’s not. That’s a wee bit of a worry because we don’t have anyone else like him.

“Arnaud [Djoum], who is no longer on the books, would be the next player closest to Peter. That’s something I might have to look at, with regard to bringing another one in for that position, which is such an important position.”

It was confirmed yesterday that Djoum had signed for Saudi Arabian club Al-raed.

The 30-year-old midfielder rejected the offer of a new contract at Tynecastle Park to move to the Middle East.

Al-raed announced their latest recruit after Djoum left the Africa Cup of Nations following Cameroon’s elimination.

Hearts offered Djoum an extension to his deal, which ran out in May, but knew he was looking elsewhere. The Edinburgh club handed his No 10 shirt to the returning Jamie Walker last week. Djoum remained a free agent while on international duty before deciding to join Alraed. Apollon Limassol of Cyprus offered him a contract which he rejected and the Greek club Panathinaikos were also credited with an interest.

Djoum joined Hearts in 2015 after leaving the Polish club Lech Poznan and saw his career reach new heights in Scotland. He was called into the Cameroon squad and helped them win the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations. Leicester have completed the club-record signing of Youri Tielemans from Monaco.

The midfielder takes the Foxes’ summer spending to nearly £80million after penning a four-year deal, with the fee for Tielemans believed to be around £40million.

The 22-year-old, who had been linked with Manchester United, spent the second half of last season on loan at the King Power Stadium.

He told the club’s official website: “It is such a great feeling to sign for this club. Ever since I arrived on loan last season, all the players, the staff and the fans have been fantastic with me, so I’m thrilled to become a Leicester City player.

“I believe that we have the talent in our squad to achieve something special and for any player, that’s an exciting thing to be a part of.

“I really can’t wait to get started again with this club and do everything I can to help my team-mates.”

Tielemans made 13 appearances scoring three times for the Foxes last season during his loan spell.