Atletico Madrid confirm arrival of defender Caglar Soyuncu

Atletico Madrid have announced the signing of Caglar Soyuncu on a four-year contract, with the defender arriving at the Wanda Metropolitano following the end of his Leicester City contract.

The 27-year-old made the move to Leicester from Freiburg in August 2018, and he represented the Foxes on 132 occasions in all competitions, scoring four goals and registering one assist.

Soyuncu only featured nine times at club level last season, though, and he has now left the King Power Stadium to complete a move to La Liga giants Atletico.

"Caglar Soyuncu is now a new player for Atletico de Madrid following the agreement reached between our club and the Turkish footballer, who signs for four seasons," read a statement on Atletico's official website.

"Born on May 23, 1996, in Izmir (Turkey), he will join the squad at the beginning of the 2023/24 pre-season, which will start on Friday, July 7.

© Reuters

"The Turkish center-back successfully completed the necessary medical examination at Vithas and then headed to the club's offices at the Civitas Metropolitano, where he was received by our CEO, Miguel Angel Gil, to finalise his contract with our club."

Earlier this week, Soyuncu posted an exit message on social media, thanking the Leicester fans for their support during his time at the club.

"Dear Leicester fans, my family! Today, I am saying goodbye to the club that I consider as home and where I have felt immense pride while wearing the shirt week in, week out. Of course, saying goodbye is never easy. I arrived here as a kid, now I'm leaving as a man," he wrote.

"It was an honour to wear our blue kit and fight for you. We experienced it all together, from the amazing times to the more difficult periods.

© Reuters

"But even during those bad times I felt home. And that's completely thanks to you. Your chants, your support, your trust made me the player I am today.

"However, the time has come for a new adventure. You will always have a special place in my heart. Our bond will last forever. Thank you!"

Soyuncu, who has been capped on 53 occasions by Turkey, will bring European experience with him to Atletico, having featured in the Europa League and Europa Conference League during his time at Leicester.

Atletico, who finished third in Spain's top flight last season, have now made two signings during the summer market, with experienced left-back Javi Galan also arriving from Celta Vigo.