Transfer Centre

Leicester closing in on Lyon winger Tete?

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 27 January 2023

Premier League strugglers Leicester City are reportedly closing in on the signing of Lyon winger Tete, who remains contracted to Shakhtar Donetsk.

Leicester City have reportedly made significant progress in an attempt to sign Lyon winger Tete, who remains contracted to Shakhtar Donetsk.

The Foxes are enduring a disappointing campaign in the Premier League, losing 12 of their 20 matches to sit just three points clear of bottom place.

However, with funds to spend after the summer sale of Wesley Fofana to Chelsea, Brendan Rodgers is keen to make changes to his squad before the end of the month.

Last week, the East Midlands outfit strengthened their left-back options with the addition of Victor Kristiansen from Copenhagen.

While a centre-back may eventually be required if Caglar Soyuncu departs the King Power Stadium, it appears that Leicester are pressing ahead with trying to bring in a fresh face in the final third.

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

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Leicester have been in discussions with Lyon regarding a deal for Tete.

Romano suggests that negotiations have progressed to an advanced stage and that a transfer is likely to materialise before Tuesday's deadline.

The 22-year-old has been one of the shining lights in an otherwise average season for Lyon, contributing six goals and two assists from 17 appearances in Ligue 1.

Tete had been with Shakhtar Donetsk until the military invasion involving Russia, FIFA regulations ruling that any players representing Ukrainian clubs could move elsewhere.

Shakhtar Donetsk's Tete looks dejected on November 24, 2021 © Reuters

In total, Tete has chipped in with eight strikes and 10 assists from just 30 appearances since moving to the French outfit on loan last year.

That agreement is in line to be terminated with reports elsewhere indicating that Tete is due to be in England at some point on Friday.

While Leeds United have also been credited with an interest in the Brazilian, it appears that Leicester are in line to win the race for his signature.

Should Tete complete a switch to Leicester, he would not come into contention for selection until the fixture with Aston Villa on February 4.