Leicester City centre-back Caglar Soyuncu is expected to sign for Atletico Madrid this summer, reports The Athletic.
Soyuncu first signed for Leicester in the summer transfer window of 2018, arriving from Freiburg for an estimated £18 million fee.
He struggled for minutes in his debut campaign, making just eight appearances in all competitions.
Following the record sale of Harry Maguire to Manchester United in 2019, the Turkey international became a more prominent member of Brendan Rodgers’ side.
The 2019/20 season was a successful one for the defender on a personal level, featuring 42 times and being selected for PFA Premier League Team of the Year.
The next season was another bright one for Soyuncu, as he helped the Foxes to glory in the FA Cup. He featured in all six of their fixtures, starting five, as they lifted the trophy with a 1-0 victory over Chelsea.
However, his spell at the King Power Stadium has since turned sour. This term, he has made just four league appearances, with the likes of Wout Faes, Daniel Amartey, Harry Souttar and Jonny Evans all being preferred in the heart of defence.
It now looks like his time at Leicester is set to come to an end. According to The Athletic, Atletico are closing in on a swoop for the defender upon the expiry of his contract.
Renowned for their defensive solidity, Los Rojiblancos have conceded the second-fewest goals in La Liga this term with 22. This has helped them to third in the table, 12 points clear of fifth place.
Despite this, new defensive recruits will be welcome. Manager Diego Simeone has only three natural senior centre-backs in his squad, and two are out of contract in 2024.
If they wish to be competitive on multiple fronts, increased depth will be required.
Soyuncu’s focus will be on helping Leicester avoid relegation to the Championship. Dean Smith’s side are in 17th place with six games to go, hovering above the drop zone on goal difference alone.
Soyuncu has started each of the last two games and earned praise for his display in the victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers.
He will likely keep his place for the next two games, against fellow relegation battlers Leeds United and Everton.
