Chelsea transfer news: Leicester City confirm signing of youngster

Leicester City have continued the preparations for their return to the Premier League with the addition of Chelsea youngster Michael Golding.

Earlier in the weekend, the Foxes announced that they had won the race to sign former Fulham man Bobby Decordova-Reid on a free transfer.

However, on the back of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall departing the King Power Stadium for Chelsea earlier in the week, there has been the expectation that Leicester would sign Golding in a separate deal.

Both teams have been required to conduct work in the market to ensure that they meet the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability criteria.

The Golding transaction has, for unknown reasons, being held over, but Leicester moved to confirm the signing on Sunday afternoon.

Get to know Golding 😇 pic.twitter.com/msDBOCuKcu

— Leicester City (@LCFC) July 7, 2024

Who is Michael Golding?

During a season when multiple Chelsea academy graduates were given their first-team debut, Golding's chance came at the back end of an FA Cup third-round tie with Preston North End.

With the West Londoners 4-0 to the good, Mauricio Pochettino provided Golding with an 89th-minute introduction, yet that proved to be his only first-team opportunity.

Nevertheless, the teenager was a regular in Chelsea's youth ranks, contributing two goals and three assists from his 24 appearances across different competitions.

Although a fee has not been revealed, it has been suggested by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano that Leicester are shelling out £5m for the England Under-18 international, becoming the second addition to Steve Cooper's side.

© Reuters

What has Golding had to say?

Speaking to the club's official website, Golding acknowledged that he had much to learn to make regular outings in the first team, yet admitted that he is ready for the challenge.

He said: "I'm really looking forward to making leaps and bounds in my career here at Leicester and working hard to help the team as much as I can.

"Obviously the history of the club speaks for itself; there are great players here and I'm looking to soak up as much information as I can from the senior players, to learn from the staff and hopefully have a great season."

Reports have indicated that Atalanta BC defender Caleb Okoli will be the next player to arrive at Leicester.