Transfer Centre

Leicester City announce loan signing of winger Tete

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 29 January 2023

Leicester announce loan signing of winger Tete

Leicester City announce that they have completed the loan signing of Shakhtar Donetsk winger Tete, who has been representing Lyon this season.

Leicester City have announced that they have completed the loan signing of Shakhtar Donetsk winger Tete.

The 22-year-old had been deemed as an important member of the Shakhtar squad until Russia's military invasion of Ukraine led to FIFA ruling that players could depart the club.

Tete linked up with Lyon on loan, chipping in with two goals and five assists from 11 appearances during 2021-22 before going on to build on that during the current campaign.

Six strikes and five assists have been contributed from 19 outings since the beginning of August, and it appeared likely that he would see out the season in France.

However, Leicester have instead moved to secure Tete's services for the rest of the season after negotiating a deal with his parent and temporary clubs.

Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers on January 7, 2023 © Reuters

In revealing the transfer, the Foxes have stated that Tete is currently due to return to Shakhtar on July 1, an indication that they have only negotiated a straight loan.

Speaking to LCTV, Tete said: "I'm really happy to be here. I've had a look at the pitch and the stadium, it's beautiful and I can already imagine what it'll be like with a lot of fans.

"I hope to score a lot of goals and assists. I hope they'll all be happy to see me play, I'm happy to be a Fox."

Tete moves to the King Power Stadium at a time when Leicester occupy 14th position in the Premier League table, albeit just one point above the relegation zone.

Leicester City's Harvey Barnes celebrates scoring against Brighton & Hove Albion on January 21, 2023 © Reuters

Goals have generally not been an issue for the East Midlands outfit, with 28 coming from 20 top-flight fixtures, but there has been a heavy reliance on James Maddison and Harvey Barnes.

The two playmakers have seven strikes apiece, directly contributing to half of Leicester's goals in the Premier League during 2022-23.

Brendan Rodgers watched his side edge out League Two outfit Walsall by a 1-0 scoreline in the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday, Kelechi Iheanacho netting the only goal 22 minutes from time.

Leicester will now prepare to take on Aston Villa on away territory on February 4, their opponents sitting 10 points ahead despite only three places separating the teams.