adminLeicester City appear to be closing in on a major move as Russell Martin prepares to strengthen his squad with another important addition at the King Power Stadium.
The Foxes have been searching for defensive reinforcements following Ben Nelson’s ACL injury, while uncertainty surrounding several other centre-backs has increased the pressure on Martin to act before the transfer window closes.
And now, Leicester have reportedly made a significant breakthrough.
The club have reached an agreement with FC Inter Turku for the signing of 19-year-old centre-back Ilari Kangasniemi, with the player also understood to have agreed personal terms.
Kangasniemi is expected to travel to England for his medical, with the final stages of the transfer now believed to be approaching.
The reported €2.5 million (£2.1m) deal would also make the move a record transfer for Finland’s top division, surpassing the previous record fee paid for a player from the league.
Standing at an imposing 6ft 6in, Kangasniemi would bring significant height and physical presence to Leicester’s defence. He has already established himself as an important player for Inter Turku, making 14 league appearances this season.
His arrival would come at a crucial moment for Martin.
Leicester currently have Caleb Okoli and Harry Souttar as two of their main centre-back options, while Wout Faes’ future remains uncertain. Jannik Vestergaard also left the club earlier this summer, leaving the Foxes short of depth in the position.
Kangasniemi has also gained valuable experience beyond domestic football. After developing at SJK Seinajoki, he moved to Inter Milan, where he featured for the Italian club’s youth teams and played in the UEFA Youth League.
He returned to Finland last summer and has since made 32 appearances for Inter Turku, scoring four goals.
The young defender has also impressed during Inter Turku’s European campaign, helping them progress through several Conference League qualifying rounds.
Now, with an agreement reportedly in place between Leicester and the player, attention turns to the medical.
If everything goes according to plan, Kangasniemi could soon become Russell Martin’s latest defensive reinforcement, giving Leicester another option as they prepare for a demanding season.
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