Leicester City have completed the signing of Porto right-back Ricardo Pereira, in a deal of £22m. The Portuguese international joins on a five-year contract, subject to international clearance.
“I feel very happy to be here and I can’t wait to do my best to help the team,” Pereira said. “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.”
City manager Claude 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.”
📝 #lcfc have agreed terms with FC Porto for the transfer of defender @ricbpereira: https://t.co/P1cHxjd5rp pic.twitter.com/o8qgFXSmVT
— Leicester City (@LCFC) May 19, 2018
The transfer, City’s first of the summer, is a big coup for the club, strengthening a position short of depth with a highly-rated young player who has Champions League experience.
Pereira was in the final year of his contract at Porto and City have paid an initial £17.5m, with £4m in add-ons, for his services. He will join the club after representing Portugal at the World Cup in Russia this summer.
