Leicester City have announced the signing of Patson Daka on a five-year contract until June 2026 from Red Bull Salzburg.
Daka joins the Foxes after enjoying a successful 2020-21 season at Salzburg where he netted 34 goals in 42 appearances across all competitions en route to a domestic league and cup double.
Speaking on his move to Leicester, Daka described himself as “so excited” to join Leicester and hailed this move to the Foxes and Premier League as a “dream” after first becoming a fan during the club’s iconic 2015-16 title winning season.
Although he is aware that fighting for titles is “not going to be easy,” given the improved competition from clubs like Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea, the 22 year-old feels “ready to face this new challenge.”
Daka has already held discussions with manager, Brendan Rogers and feels proud to know that Rogers has belief in his potential, commenting: “It’s so amazing to know you have someone who’s there, someone who believes in you. He’s got confidence in you, so he had a very big impact in my decision.”
Rogers also attracted praise for not just talking in a persuasive manner to lure Daka to the King Power Stadium but also for discussing expectations and how Leicester can help him develop whilst letting the youngster make the final decision himself without extensive influence.
Daka concluded that his final decision was easy due to Rogers’ managerial “love” in terms of vision and enthusiasm for his players and their development.
The 22 year-old Zambia international also spoke of Jamie Vardy as one of his biggest idols with the Englishman’s playing style and qualities singled out for praise, as Daka describes the chance to play and “learn from him” this season as a “privilege” as the Foxes prepare for another Europa League campaign.
On the challenge of English top-flight football, Daka noted that it won’t be “easy” but has vowed to “adequately” prepare despite already bringing a “winning mentality” from his time at Salzburg, which he feels Leicester share too with “hungry” selection of “young talented players.”
Despite his goal-scoring record, Daka also selflessly poke about needing to adapt his playing style depending on the opposition and how each individual match unfolds and iterated that ensuring the Foxes get the right results is more important than scoring himself in every match.
Leicester will kick off their season on Saturday 7 August at Wembley Stadium as they face Premier League champions – Manchester City in 2021 FA Community Shield, having qualified after defeating Chelsea to win 2020-21 FA Cup in mid-May.
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