Leicester transfer news: Islam Slimani completes club record £29.8m move from Sporting Lisbon to Premier League champions
LEICESTER clinched a club-record £29.8million deal for Islam Slimani - who admitted Riyad Mahrez convinced him to make the switch.
The Algeria striker has signed on for five years at the King Power Stadium.
Slimani scored 48 goals in 82 games for Sporting
Slimani told the Foxes' official site: “To join a team like Leicester City is a huge honour and I can’t wait to get started.
"I’ve always wanted to play my football in the Premier League and to get the opportunity to do that with the reigning champions was something I simply could not turn down.
“I saw the amazing success of last season and the passion of the club’s supporters. That’s something that I’m so excited to be a part of.
“My friend Riyad Mahrez spoke to me about the club and about the atmosphere the Leicester fans create at King Power Stadium.
"I will give absolutely everything I have on the pitch for them and for my team-mates and I hope that together we can achieve something special.”
Sporting had wanted £34million for the player after turning down Leicester’s initial £25million bid.
The striker, 29, was released from international duty for his medical and joins Algerian international team-mate Mahrez at the club as boss Claudio Ranieri bolsters his attacking options.
He has scored 48 goals in just 82 games during his two year stay at Sporting, and the Foxes believe he can translate that form to the Premier League.
He will provide valuable support for Jamie Vardy as Leicester put together a squad they believe is capable of mounting a solid defence of their title and compete in Europe this season.
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