Leicester have announced the signing of Algeria striker Islam Slimani from Sporting Lisbon.
The Premier League champions released a statement on Wednesday with just over an hour and a half to go before the 11pm transfer deadline confirming Slimani had joined them on a five-year-deal, subject to international clearance.
Sporting said the move was worth €30million, potentially rising by another €5million – which makes Slimani Leicester’s record signing.
✅ DONE DEAL! Algeria striker @slimaniislam completes a #DeadlineDay move to Leicester City. #WelcomeSlimani pic.twitter.com/uA9reEVsjd
— Leicester City (@LCFC) August 31, 2016
The 28-year-old told Leicester’s official website: “To join a team like Leicester City is a huge honour and I can’t wait to get started.
“I’ve always wanted to play my football in the Premier League and to get the opportunity to do that with the reigning champions was something I simply could not turn down.
“I saw the amazing success of last season and the passion of the club’s supporters. That’s something that I’m so excited to be a part of.”
He added: “My friend (Leicester and Algeria winger) Riyad Mahrez spoke to me about the club and about the atmosphere the Leicester fans create at King Power Stadium.
“I will give absolutely everything I have on the pitch for them and for my team-mates and I hope that together we can achieve something special.”
Slimani scored 27 goals in 33 games as Sporting finished runners-up to Benfica in the Primeira Liga last season.
Meanwhile, Gokhan Inler has left Leicester to join Besiktas on a three-year deal.
The midfielder only made five league appearances after signing for £5.5million from Napoli 12 months ago as Danny Drinkwater and N’Golo Kante restricted his playing time and had been told he could leave by Leicester boss Claudio Ranieri.
