LEICESTER CITY have made their first outfield signing of the summer after splashing out £15million to land Reims centre-half Wout Faes on a five-year-deal.
Under-pressure boss Rodgers was the last manager from Europe’s top five leagues to spend his cash in this summer’s transfer window.
And 24-year-old Faes is determined to prove he is worth the wait as he looks to fill the huge void left by Wesley Fofana’s £70million move to Chelsea.
The Belgian international said: “It’s an amazing feeling, it’s not sunk in yet.
“This is the dream step in my career and I’m very happy to be here.”
Rodgers believes Faes can develop into a top Premier League defender and the centre-half says he can’t wait to put in the hours at the club’s stunning £100million training complex.
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He said: “I’m progressing year after year, and I hope to continue doing the same here.
“All the facilities and knowledge is here to help me to get even better. I will have to work hard, but I will give 100 per cent to help the team.”
Rodgers had been linked with Wolves’ Willy Boly and Southampton’s Jan Bednarek but was relieved to get the Faes deal over the line before tonight’s crucial home game against Manchester United.
However, Faes will have to watch from the stand tonight as he awaits international clearance.
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The Belgian overcame a tough start at Reims to become a huge hit with the club’s support and had been on Newcastle United’s radar, while Torino failed in a £10.5million bid to take him to Serie A last month.
He made 37 appearances for Reims in Ligue 1 last season and romped to the club’s Player of the Year award with his commanding performances at the back.
The Belgian should have no trouble settling in at Leicester as he won his first cap last June in a 6-1 Nations League victory over Poland, alongside his new Foxes teammates Youri Tielemans and Timothy Castagne.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
