LEEDS, ENGLAND - APRIL 25: Caglar Soyuncu of Leicester City looks on during the Premier League match between Leeds United and Leicester City at Elland Road on April 25, 2023 in Leeds, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Atletico Madrid have announced the signing of Leicester City defender Caglar Soyuncu on a free transfer.
The Turkish international centre-back has penned a four-year contract with the Spanish giants keeping him at the Citivas Metropolitano until 2027.
The 27-year-old joins Diego Simeone’s side, having spent the past five years with Leicester. He made 132 appearances for the Foxes, bagging four goals and one assist.
He fell out of favour at the King Power Stadium last season and was only afforded nine appearances across all competitions – although he had his fair share of injury problems.
The Turkish defender won the FA Cup and the Community Shield with Leicester and will now begin the next phase of his career in the Spanish capital.
Soyuncu becomes Atletico’s third signing of the summer transfer window following the arrival of fellow centre-back Santiago Mourino and Celta Vigo left-back Javi Galan.
Galan was brought in as a much-needed reinforcement for the left-back position, with Renan Lodi expected to leave the club this summer after falling out with Simeone.
Lodi spent the last season on loan at Premier League newcomers Nottingham Forest but refused to make his stay permanent as he wants a club that can offer Champions League football.
Benfica are believed to be leading the race to sign the Brazilian full-back, although there is no official proposal from the Primeira Liga champions yet.
Atletico are expected to make more signings this summer as Simeone looks to mount a proper title challenge in the coming campaign.
The Colchoneros are on the cusp of signing Chelsea right back Cesar Azpiicueta on a free transfer while they are keeping an eye on Sporting Gijon midfielder Jonathan Varane.
Soyuncu is one of several players to have exited Leicester following their descent to the Championship after finishing third from bottom in the Premier League last season.
Source: Football Today
