Leicester fork over reported €20M to nab Praet at 11th hour

Leicester City's push to gatecrash the top six got a boost Thursday, as the club announced the signing of Dennis Praet from Sampdoria, getting the deal over the line two hours after the official conclusion of the transfer window.

The Foxes reportedly paid €20 million to procure the Belgian's services, providing manager Brendan Rodgers with another solid midfield option. Leicester, already boasting ball-winner extraordinaire Wilfred Ndidi, also made their loan move for Youri Tielemans permanent this summer.

Praet, 25, signed a five-year contract with the club.

He had been with Sampdoria since 2016, where he developed into a crucial contributor thanks to his blend of skill and industry. The hard-working midfielder made 98 Serie A appearances over his three years with the club. He scored two league goals last season and chipped in with three assists.

The Belgian international had been linked with a potential move to AC Milan in recent weeks, where he would've had the chance to reunite with former Sampdoria bench boss Marco Giampaolo.

Instead, he makes the switch to the King Power Stadium, joining a Leicester side that's looking to improve on last season's ninth-place finish. In doing so, he reunites with Tielemans; the two played together at Anderlecht.