It must seem like a sense of déjà vu as far as Leicester City are concerned, as a year after seeing an offer of around £25 million rejected for Adrien Silva they have managed to secure their man.
The arrival of the Sporting Lisbon midfielder was always going to be subject to Danny Drinkwater’s switch to champions Chelsea, and – at the final hour – both sides managed to finalise their signings.
Who is Adrien Silva?
To put it simply, Adrien Silva has been Mr. Sporting Lisbon throughout his career.
It is very rare that modern footballers spend a lengthy period of time committed to a single club but that is exactly what the 28-year-old has done, arriving at the club’s youth academy as a 13-year-old in 2002.
He signed his first professional contract at Sporting in 2007, and since then he’s gone on to make over 230 appearances across all competitions, featuring in the Champions League on seven occasions.
In recent years he was made captain of the side, such is his influence and impact, and it only goes to show that Leicester City are about to get a player that’ll always give 100% commitment and dedication.
On an international level he was also part of the Portugal side that won the 2016 European Championships, and since his debut in 2014 he has gone on to make 20 appearances for them.
What is the deal?
Despite a nervous wait for Leicester fans, the club announced the arrival of Silva on their official website shortly before 6pm on Friday – subject to international clearance – with the details as yet unknown.
What can the Portuguese international bring to the King Power?
If Leicester City are after a signing that could potentially replicate the composure and discipline shown by Drinkwater over recent years then there aren’t many people that can compare to Silva.
The 28-year-old is a very tenacious midfielder, coming across very gritty and determined in the middle of the park and keeping a sense of disciplined positioning that helps him nullify opposition.
However, he is not afraid to push further up the pitch if necessary, which is something he would be given the licence to do freely if he moved to the King Power with Vicente Iborra acting as the holding midfielder.
It is unseen yet as to how boss Craig Shakespeare would set out his dream midfield – particularly with Matty James and Wilfried Ndidi also in the mix – but either way, Silva is undoubtedly a very smart move.