Who is Leicester signing Harry Souttar and what will Socceroos star bring Premier League side?
Everything you need to know about Harry Souttar as Socceroos’ World Cup hero signs $26million Premier League deal with Leicester to become Australia’s richest player
- Harry Souttar, 24, is now an EPL player with Leicester City
- Has signed a five-and-a-half-year deal with the Foxes
- Follows his heroics for Socceroos at World Cup in Qatar
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Born in Aberdeen, Scotland but a proud Socceroo – Harry Souttar has always been cut with a different cloth.
Overnight the towering defender inked a five-and-a-half-year deal worth $26million with Leicester City in the English Premier League – and instantly became Australia’s richest ever footballer.
His performances at the World Cup in Qatar last year were immense – and it was only a matter of time before the 24-year-old moved from Stoke City in the English Championship.
‘Challenging myself in the Premier League is an opportunity I couldn’t turn down,’ Souttar declared on the club’s website.
And the 198cm central defender is going to be busy.
Brendan Rodgers’ squad have leaked far too many goals this season – 35 in 20 games, to be precise – and are staring relegation in the face.
Harry Souttar is Australia’s richest ever footballer after signing a $26million deal with Premier League side Leicester City
Souttar sealed a move to the Premier League after starring for the Socceroos at the World Cup and his new club announced his signing by focusing on his his coat of arms tattoo and Socceroo cap number
Souttar was a standout at the World Cup for the Socceroos (pictured, marking Argentina’s Lionel Messi in Australia’s brave 2-1 defeat)
They currently sit in 14th spot, but with the likes of Leeds United, West Ham, Wolves and Bournemouth hovering with intent, Souttar looms as an important figure for the Foxes.
Raised in Aberdeen, Souttar qualifies to represent the Socceroos after his mother Heather was born in Port Hedland, Western Australia.
Older brother John Souttar – who plays for Rangers in the SPL – went the other way, opting to play for Scotland.
Harry made his Socceroos debut in 2019, and soon became a vital member of Graham Arnold’s squad, especially from set pieces.
In the Middle East, Australia were widely tipped to be cannon fodder after being drawn in the same group as France, Denmark and Tunisia.
Instead they finished second behind Les Blues to reach the round of 16 for just the second time, losing 2-1 to eventual winners Argentina.
Before sealing a move to the King Power Stadium, Harry Souttar was on the books of Stoke City from 2016 onwards
Socceroos boss Graham Arnold hailed Souttar’s character after he recovered from an ACL injury to excel in Qatar at the World Cup
Souttar’s electric displays were made even more impressive considering he ruptured his ACL in a World Cup qualifier against Saudi Arabia in November of 2021.
‘I just had so much belief in that boy. I know his mentality is so strong,’ Socceroos boss Arnold told reporters after Souttar starred against the Danes.
‘I tell you what, if I was a Premier League club, I’d be banging on his door real quick. He’s that good.’
Rodgers has answered the call and now Souttar has to deliver.
His move to King Power Stadium shattered the record for the highest transfer fee spent on a player from Australia.
Souttar is tipped to be in the selection mix when Leicester travel to take on in-form Aston Villa at Villa Park this weekend
It was previously held by Socceroos teammate Aaron Mooy following his $18million move to Huddersfield in 2017.
Souttar left Stoke City on good terms, with the club keen to see the central defender excel in the EPL.
‘Harry has developed into a proven international during his time with us and has now earned himself the opportunity to make his mark in the Premier League,’ the club’s Technical Director Ricky Martin said.
‘We are proud of the part Stoke City has played in his development, thank him for his service and wish him every success for the future.’
Souttar is tipped to be in the selection mix when Leicester travel to take on in-form Aston Villa at Villa Park on February 5.
