Socceroos star Harry Souttar admitted his time at Leicester City has been “tough”, though he is focused on breaking into the first team following intense transfer speculation.
Souttar became the most expensive Australian transfer in history when he was signed by Leicester from Stoke City after the 2022 FIFA Men’s World Cup in January, but the Australia international quickly found himself on the outer when Brendan Rodgers was sacked and Dean Smith arrived on an caretaker basis before they were relegated from the Premier League.
ISUZU UTE A-LEAGUE FANTASY: First prices revealed
LIBERTY A-LEAGUE FANTASY: First prices revealed
There were high hopes after Leicester appointed former Manchester City coach Enzo Maresca and centre-backs Caglar Soyuncu (Atletico Madrid) and Jonny Evans (Manchester United) departed, however, not much has changed for Souttar.
Souttar is yet to make an appearance for high-flying Leicester in the EFL Championship this season and the 24-year-old was heavily linked with a move to Scottish giants Rangers before the transfer window closed.
“It’s been tough. I think there were a lot of things mentioned in the press about going on loan,” Souttar said after Australia’s 2-2 friendly draw with Mexico in the United States.
“I am a Leicester player. I’m going to do everything in my power to try to get back into the squad.
“Obviously it’s the manager’s decision so all I can do is work hard and try to prove to him that I can get back in the squad.”
NEXT AUSSIE EXPORT? Ange Postecoglou names next Australian who’ll ‘break down barriers’ in UK
Souttar went from hero to villain in the wild draw against CONCACAF Gold Cup champions Mexico in Dallas last week.
The towering centre-back opened the scoring with a header – his seventh international goal, only to help gift Mexico an 84th-minute equaliser following a mix-up with goalkeeper Maty Ryan.
Souttar has not played a competitive match for Leicester since May’s goalless draw away to Newcastle United in the Premier League, prior to their relegation.
