Leicester City chances of signing Brazilian centre-back are 'only increasing' ahead of Championship challenge

Leicester City are reportedly interested in signing Flamengo defender Cleiton this summer.

The 22-year-old joined the youth system of the Brazilian giants in 2020 and has since made fleeting appearances in the first team of the club.

Across the course of the 2025 campaign to date, Cleiton has featured on five occasions for Flamengo, who are sitting second in their domestic league.

Leicester are clearly casting their scouting net far and wide following relegation from the Premier League, preparing for life back in the Championship.

That being said, the Foxes have also supposedly highlighted a potential target closer to home, with Coventry City's Jack Rudoni of interest to the East Midlands side.

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Leicester join three-club race for Cleiton?

According to Brazilian outlet Flazoeiro, Leicester are set to make a surprise swoop for the services of Flamengo youngster Cleiton this summer.

The report also states that Ukrainian outfit Dynamo Kiev are sniffing around the talents of the centre-back ahead of the trading point.

Cleiton's current contract at the Maracana expires at the conclusion of 2025, and he is not expected to sign a renewal of his terms at this stage.

A transfer to Europe is seemingly a distinct possibility, with the chances of the defender leaving Flamengo over the summer 'only increasing'.

As well as Leicester and Dynamo Kiev, it is believed that an unnamed Primeira Liga outfit from Portugal is also in the hunt for Cleiton.

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Leicester's centre-back options

Since the arrival of head coach Ruud van Nistelrooy at the end of 2024, Wout Faes and Conor Coady have been trusted as the centre-back pairing for Leicester.

Former England international Coady is approaching the twilight of his career, meaning that the Foxes could be in the market for a replacement.

Although unknown in England at this stage, Cleiton could blossom into a top-class defender for Leicester in the Championship next term if signed.

Written by
Carter White