Subway Socceroos defender Harry Souttar has completed a deadline day move, signing with Premier League outfit Leicester City from Stoke City and realising a dream of playing in England’s top-flight.
The 24-year-old has agreed to a five-and-a-half-year contract with the Foxes subject to Premier League approval, joining for an undisclosed fee reportedly in the region of £15m, approximately A$26.3m.
If the suggested figure is accurate, it is the highest-ever transfer fee paid for an Australian footballer.
Soutter was believed to be heavily linked with a move to the Premier League prior to sustaining an anterior cruciate ligament injury while on international duty in November 2021, ruling out the towering centre-back for 11 months.
But the 24-year-old timed his FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ return to perfection and has seen his value rise following an impressive tournament with several Premier League clubs purportedly still keeping tabs on his availability, including Leicester.
The Scottish-born defender played just one senior game after his long-term injury before featuring in every minute of Australia’s unprecedented run to the Round of 16.
Souttar has been capped 14 times, scoring six goals since his debut in 2019 for the Green and Gold and significantly bolsters his new side’s defensive stocks.
Souttar, who amassed 70 appearances for the Potters, said:“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.
"There are world-class facilities here and a squad full of fantastic players, so I can’t wait to get started.”
Brendan Rodgers’ team are currently one point above the relegation zone in 14th place and face Aston Villa in the league on Sunday morning (AEDT).