Brendan Rodgers and Leicester City have confirmed their first signing of the summer. Patson Daka has arrived at the King Power Stadium after a $30 million move from RB Salzburg.
We can confirm that exciting young striker @PatsonDaka20 will join the Club on a five-year-deal from 1 July, subject to Premier League and international clearance #WelcomePatson
— Leicester City (@LCFC) June 30, 2021
Daka, 22, enjoyed a breakout season in Austria this year, scoring 34 goals and providing 12 assists in 42 games. He had been linked to Liverpool in recent weeks before a move to the Foxes began to look the more likely option. Daka departs Salzburg having represented his old club 125 times, scoring 68 goals in all and assisting 27 as he contributed to four consecutive league titles.
The new arrival told the club's website: "I’m so, so excited to join this great, historic club. It has been my dream and I’m so happy and looking forward to what’s coming next. ... I have followed Leicester from the time they won the league. I feel it is the perfect place for me, because it’s a team that fights for titles. I know it’s not going to be easy, but I feel ready to face this new challenge."
While it's clear Jamie Vardy still has more to offer the Foxes, planning for the 34-year-old's eventual departure is a smart move. With Daka and Kelechi Iheanacho, who came alive at the back end of last season, Leicester could have an electrifying strike duo for the next five years or more.