Leicester City have confirmed the signing of Conor Coady from Wolves, as new manager Enzo Maresca continues his makeover of the relegated Foxes’ squad.
Harry Winks has already arrived from Tottenham, with ex-Wolves captain Coady now joining him at the King Power Stadium.
2
2
The experienced defender has penned a three-year contract in a deal worth an initial £7.5million – rising to £8.5m if Leicester are promoted this season.
Centre-back Coady arrives after spending last season on loan with Everton, having helped the Merseyside club narrowly beat the Foxes to Premier League safety.
The Toffees had the chance to sign the former Liverpool academy graduate permanently for just £4.5m, but manager Sean Dyche passed up on the chance.
Wolves then demanded £7.5m for the ten-cap England international, with the Foxes paying up after losing centre-back Caglar Soyuncu at the end of his contract – the Turkey international has been linked with a free transfer to Atletico Madrid.
The 30-year-old brings with him a wealth of Premier League, Championship and international experience, with Coady well respected for his leadership on the field and in the dressing room.
Speaking to LCFC TV, the new signing said: “I’m absolutely over the moon.
“I couldn’t wait to get down here, to obviously see everyone and get everything signed and boxed off. Now I’m here, I’m massively excited. I’ve been massively excited all summer to be fair and it’s something I was desperate to get done.
“I’ve played against the club numerous times and it’s so, so hard playing against Leicester City. That’s something we need to take into the season.
Most read in Championship
“This place is incredible, I think it’s the best training ground I’ve ever seen in my life. It’s got absolutely everything so there’s no excuses for us going forward into the new campaign.
“Knowing a few of the lads here as well and how they speak of the Football Club, but looking at Leicester City as a whole, it’s such an exciting place to be.
“I’m massively excited about joining so it wasn’t a hard decision. As soon as I heard of the interest, it was something I wanted to pursue. I can’t wait to get started.”
New boss Maresca – who left his role as Pep Guardiola’s No.2 at Man City to take the Foxes job – will be hoping Coady helps shore up his leaky defence, with their 68 goals conceded in 38 games last season the fourth-worst record in the top flight last term.
After Winks, he is the second signing of what could be a busy summer for Leicester having seen a number of key players depart already.
Belgium international Youri Tielemans has left to join Aston Villa on a free transfer, while James Maddison has signed for Tottenham and winger Harvey Barnes is also expected to leave.
