Leicester grabs Manchester City castoff Iheanacho for reported £25M

After being crowded out by Pep Guardiola's ever-growing complement of attackers, Kelechi Iheanacho decided to join Leicester City on Thursday on a five-year contract.

The Nigerian forward cost the Foxes a reported £25 million, and leaves Manchester City after recording 12 Premier League goals in two seasons encompassing only 12 starts.

The delay in the deal was due to a row over image rights, according to The Telegraph's John Percy, but Leicester eventually beat Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham United and Monaco to his signature.

"It feels good and I'm happy to be part of this team. I know the ambition of the team and speaking with the manager, he let me know what I need to do - to help the team achieve what they want. I was convinced and I'm happy to be here," Iheanacho told the club website.

"I was happy speaking with the manager, knowing what the team wants. It gives me more confidence that I will fit in this team and hopefully I'll achieve a lot."

Iheanacho, 20, quickly emerged as a fan favourite at the Etihad Stadium due to his enthusiasm and knack for getting on the end of gilt-edged chances. He's a natural poacher, but his lack of technical ability and versatility appeared to shunt him down the pecking order under Pep Guardiola.

When Gabriel Jesus arrived at Manchester City last January, it pitted a two-way battle between the Brazilian and Sergio Aguero to spearhead the attack. Even midfielder Kevin De Bruyne was deployed as a false nine a couple of times over the course of the season, while Iheanacho wore down a groove on the substitutes' bench.

Leicester, meanwhile, was in search of firepower after last term's title defence culminated in 20 less goals scored and with a final standing of 12th. Iheanacho could work alongside the swift Jamie Vardy in attack, and firmly step ahead of Islam Slimani and Ahmed Musa in Craig Shakespeare's plans after their disappointing debut campaigns in English football. Both Slimani and Musa have been linked to moves away this summer.

Iheanacho is Leicester's fifth signing in the transfer window as Shakespeare prepares for his first full season in professional management. Eldin Jakupovic, Harry Maguire, and Vicente Iborra were added to the goalkeeping, defensive, and midfield ranks, respectively, while Sam Hughes works with the development squad after being plucked from Chester City.