Leicester signs French rising star Fofana
Premier League pace-setter Leicester City has completed the signing of teenage defender Wesley Fofana from Saint-Etienne in a record-breaking deal.
The French side declared earlier in the week that the move would be the biggest sale in its history, with reports that Leicester is paying in the region of £30 million ($54.1 million) for Marseille-born Fofana.
Now the deal taking the 19-year-old to England has been sealed, Leicester announced on Saturday (AEST).
Fofana said: "I'm very happy to be here. I've watched Leicester City closely since they won the title and they're a top club in the Premier League.
"I know I will learn a lot from the players and the manager here, which is one of the main reasons I came. I can't wait to get started."
Fofana was described by Saint-Etienne as "one of the greatest French talents of his generation" on Wednesday (AEST), when it revealed the centre-back was heading to the Foxes.
He was called up for France Under-21 this week.
Saint-Etienne described Leicester's bid as "exceptional, especially given the uncertain economic context caused by the [COVID-19] health crisis".
Leicester stunned Manchester City 5-2 on Monday (AEST) to make it three wins from three so far under manager Brendan Rodgers in this season's Premier League. It also has a UEFA Europa League campaign ahead.
Fofana played 14 matches in Ligue 1 last season, made two appearances in the UEFA Europa League, and helped Saint-Etienne reach the Coupe de France final, where it lost 1-0 to Paris Saint-Germain.