Harry Souttar makes Aussie history with massive Premier League move

Aussie World Cup star Harry Souttar has been rewarded for his sublime form in Qatar after he was signed to Premier League club Leicester City only hours before the transfer deadline ended. Souttar, who was playing for Stoke City in the Championship, has been touted for a move to the Premier League after standing out in a valiant Socceroos team during the World Cup.

And the towering centre back has been rewarded for his form since returning from an ACL injury and signed for an Australian record $26 million to the Foxes. His fee eclipses the initial $14m Huddersfield paid Manchester City for Aaron Mooy in 2007. It pushes Mark Viduka's $10m move from Celtic to Leeds in 2000 into third place.

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Souttar's introduction to the club involved footage of him walking into the club headquarters. While his face wasn't visible, his tattoo showing the Australian crest was the centre of the video reveal.

The 24-year-old said he was excited to challenge himself in one of the world's best leagues. "I'm delighted to join such a great football club and challenging myself in the Premier League is an opportunity that I couldn't turn down," Souttar said in a statement.

"There are world-class facilities here and a squad full of fantastic players so I can't wait to get started." Souttar has agreed to a signed a five-and-a-half-year deal with Leicester after being linked with the club in recent days.

Football world reacts to Harry Souttar signing

Leicester fans have reacted with excitement at Souttar's signing with the 198cm centre-half bringing with him plenty of hype. Australian fans are also singing Souttar's praises after he has finally been rewarded for his hard work in the green and gold.

Souttar's Premier League move is a huge move for Australian football after a long-list of Aussies making their name in England. Socceroos used to be a familiar sight in England's elite - from Craig Johnston through to the likes of Viduka, Harry Kewell, Lucas Neill, Tim Cahill, Mark Schwarzer and Mile Jedinak.

However, there has been less for Australians in England in recent times. Mat Ryan had four seasons at Brighton - where he was briefly joined by Mooy - culminating in a spell on loan as Arsenal's back-up keeper in 2021.

There are three other Australians on the books of Premier League clubs but all have been sent out on loan. Tyrese Francois, a 22-year-old midfielder born in Campbelltown, came off the bench in the 89th minute of Fulham's 0-0 draw with Wolves in August to make his Premier League debut, but is currently with Croatian club NHK Gorica.

Olyroos midfielder Caleb Watts has played in the top-flight for Southampton, but is currently turning out for tier-three Morecambe. Garang Kuol joined Newcastle United at the start of January but was quickly sent on loan to Scottish club Hearts.

with AAP

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