Socceroo Souttar bets on $27m EPL dream move

Multiple media outlets in the UK, including the BBC, have reported that Stoke City have agreed to a £15million (AU$26.4million) deal that will send the Socceroos defender to Leicester City.

Souttar excelled at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and scouts suggested at the time a move from Stoke, currently 18th in the Championship, was likely by the transfer deadline.

Leicester City, the 2015-16 Premier League champions, are currently four places above the relegation zone. Brendan Rodgers’ side lost four straight Premier League games in December and January before drawing 2-2 against Brighton and Hove Albion on 22 January.

Souttar, 24, has been named as the future Socceroos captain. The Aberdeen-born player made his first signing for Stoke City in 2016 and has become a club favorite for his level-headed defence.

While Championship clubs have long known the towering defender, Souttar found international fame for his last-ditch efforts for Australia in Qatar, including a slide tackle against Tunisia that helped secure the Socceroos’ first win of the season.

Socceroos head coach Graham Arnold was immediately convinced of Souttar’s potential value and suggested the center-back will be the focus of EPL clubs in November.

“I’ll tell you what, if I were a Premier League club I would knock on their door real quick. He’s so good,” Arnold told world media during his stay in Qatar.

Souttar is hoping to follow in the footsteps of England defender Harry Maguire with the Foxes. Leicester played a key role in Maguire’s development ahead of his record-breaking Manchester United contract in 2019.

Souttar is the second Socceroo to sign with a Premier League club following Garang Kuol’s move to Newcastle – and subsequent loan to Hearts.

Til Wernercontent producer

Tilly Werner is an emerging talent in the world of sports journalism with a particular focus on AFL, football, basketball and disability sports. With a Graduate Diploma in Sports Management (UTS) and a Bachelor of International Studies (UNSW), Tilly’s writing endeavors go beyond the game and explore the stories behind athletes and their connection to the world around them. Tilly also has a distinguished career in athletics and currently sits on the board of NSW Goalball as Executive Director. Influencing your writing style is extensive career writing for NFP charities, sports organizations and the NSW Parliament. Tilly currently writes and produces for CODE Sports at News Corp Australia.