Leicester confirm first summer signing

 

Leicester have announced the signing of Ricardo Pereira from Liga NOS champions FC Porto. 

 

The Portuguese full-back, who has made Fernando Santos’ Portugal World Cup squad, enjoyed a fine campaign for Porto, with a WhoScored.com rating of 7.59 enough to earn a spot in the team of the season.

 

Pereira was linked with a move to Tottenham last season and has worked with Leicester boss Claude Puel in the past, with the duo linking up during their respective times with Nice during the 2015/16 Ligue 1 season. 

 

“Leicester City have agreed terms with FC Porto for the transfer of defender Ricardo Pereira,” a statement read on the club’s official website. 

 

“Ricardo, 24, arrived in Leicester on Saturday to finalise personal terms on a five-year contract and complete a medical. 

 

“His move to City will be complete when international transfer clearance is received on 9 June. 

 

“He will report for international duty this week, having been named alongside Adrien Silva in Portugal’s 23-man squad for this summer’s World Cup in Russia. 

 

“The 24-year-old right-back, who can also operate as a winger, made 43 appearances for Porto in all competitions this season, including seven in the UEFA Champions League, and helped the side to their 28th Portuguese league title this month. 

 

"Capped by Portugal for the first time in 2015, the speedy defender is strong both defensively and offensively, and has built an impressive reputation in Europe for his performances in recent seasons.” 

 

 

On his move to the King Power Stadium, Pereira said: “I feel very happy to be here and I can’t wait to do my best to help the team. The atmosphere, the fans and the football of the Premier League makes it the best in the world. I am here to support the team and to help the Club to achieve its goals.” 

 

Foxes boss Puel added: “I’m delighted to have a player of Ricardo’s quality on board for next season. I remember him well from my time at Nice.”