Both Leicester City and Newcastle United have this afternoon confirmed that Ayoze Perez has joined the Foxes on a permanent transfer.
Newcastle stint
25-year-old hitman Perez made the move to St. James’ Park in 2014, from Spanish outfit Tenerife.
And the twice-capped U21 La Roja international since went on to establish himself as an integral member of the Magpies’ squad.
All told, across 179 league appearances for Newcastle between the Premier League and Championship, Perez notched 42 goals and 15 assists.
This past season, meanwhile, proved the striker’s finest to date.
37 Premier League appearances (34 starts) saw Perez rack up 12 goals and 2 assists. He also found the net once in the FA Cup.
On the back of confirmation last week that Rafael Benitez was set to depart St. James’ this summer, however, rumours began to mount that fellow countryman Perez would follow suit:
Ayoze Perez is reportedly next to leave Newcastle https://t.co/6tNnZgXHp1
— The Sun Football ⚽ (@TheSunFootball) June 26, 2019
La Liga giants Valencia, meanwhile, were initially the outfit most persistently-touted as a potential destination for the 25-year-old.
Newcastle United’s Ayoze Perez celebrates with Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez after the final whistle of the Premier League match at St James’ Park, Newcastle. (Photo by Richard Sellers/PA Images via Getty Images)
Perez joins Leicester
The last 24 hours, though, saw a new leading contender emerge in the race for Perez’s signature.
The outfit in question were Leicester City.
And, following speedy negotiations between club and player, the Tenerife youth product’s 5-year Newcastle stint has today officially come to an end.
As confirmed by Leicester across the club’s social media platforms, Perez has made the move to the King Power Stadium on a 4-year-deal:
Leicester City Football Club is delighted to confirm the signing of Spanish forward @AyozePG! 📝#HolaPérez
— Leicester City (@LCFC) July 4, 2019
Though no official word has been forthcoming on the fee paid for Perez, Newcastle have confirmed that Leicester agreed to activate the attacker’s buyout clause, rumoured to have been worth £30 million:
Newcastle United can confirm that Ayoze Pérez has completed a move to @LCFC for an undisclosed fee after the Foxes activated his buy-out clause.
Full story: https://t.co/b6lOFJpEq0 #NUFC pic.twitter.com/QMf69yQYBB
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) July 4, 2019
Speaking to LCFC TV on the back of his move being made official, Perez explained:
‘I’m very happy and very pleased. I’m very proud to be part of the Leicester family and I can’t wait to get started.’
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