Leicester sign De Cordova-Reid on a free transfer

Leicester City have made their first signing of the summer as they return to the Premier League, bringing in Bobby De Cordova-Reid on a free transfer.

The 31-year-old winger joins the promoted Foxes on a three-year deal after his deal with Fulham expired at the end of last season.

“Coming here was a special moment, to look around and see the infrastructure,” De Cordova-Reid told the club’s official website. “It has that wow factor. It feels good. I’m excited to be here and can’t wait to get started.

“I had a good talk with the manager, he told me the vision of the club. I talked to him a few times and it was very clear to me what he wanted and what he saw in me. He believes in me and is a perfect fit for me.”

Who is De Cordova-Reid?

Born in Bristol, De Cordova-Reid joined Bristol City’s youth team in 2002 and rose through the ranks before making his senior debut on the final day of the 2010/11 season.

The striker had loan spells with Cheltenham Town, Oldham Athletic and Plymouth Argyle before making his mark at Bristol.

He stayed at Bristol City until the end of the 2017/18 season. During that campaign, De Cordova-Reid played in the impressive EFL Cup, where they eliminated Manchester United, Crystal Palace, Watford and Stoke City en route to the semi-final, where they lost to Manchester City.

He signed for Cardiff City and left after two seasons following a successful loan spell with Fulham. He helped the Cottagers to promotion to the Premier League in 2020, before being their top scorer when they were relegated the following season.

In 129 Premier League appearances, the 31-year-old has scored 20 goals and provided seven assists.

Due to his Jamaican heritage, De Cordova-Reid plays his international football for the Reggae Boyz after receiving a call-up in August 2019. He started two of Jamaica’s three games at the Copa America this summer as they were eliminated in the stage groups.

De Cordova-Reid will meet up with his new team-mates in the coming weeks and Leicester begin their pre-season schedule with a game against Shrewsbury Town on July 23.

The Foxes begin their Premier League campaign with a home game against Tottenham Hotspur on Monday 19 August.

See: Transfers and news from summer 2024