Leicester City have confirmed their fifth addition of the summer, bringing in free agent goalkeeper Fran Vieites to the squad.
City had been on the lookout for another senior goalkeeper during the transfer window to back up Jakub Stolarczyk and Asmir Begovic, but were unable to secure one.
However, just five days after the window closed, they have added a new face to the team in former Real Betis stopper Vieites, who has agreed to a two-year contract.
The 26-year-old Spaniard mutually terminated his Betis deal in August following the arrival of Pau Lopez. Vieites had served as the La Liga side’s backup goalkeeper over the past two seasons.
He featured in 16 matches across all competitions last campaign, including every Europa Conference League knockout tie except the final, which they lost 4-1 to Chelsea.
Vieites made his senior debut as a 15-year-old for boyhood club Bertamirans in the fourth tier of Spanish football, before being recruited by Celta Vigo.
He spent a couple of seasons with their B team before moving to Lugo. Regular playing time in Spain’s second division earned him a switch to Betis, where he spent the last three years.
Vieites reportedly attracted interest from numerous Spanish clubs once he became a free agent, including Valencia, Real Oviedo, Rayo Vallecano, Girona, and his former side Celta.
But he has chosen to move abroad and link up with Marti Cifuentes at the King Power Stadium.
It’s anticipated that Vieites will take the role of City’s number two and challenge Stolarczyk for the first-choice goalkeeper spot.
Begovic, who arrived on a free transfer after leaving Everton, will act as the club’s third-choice, while youngster Stevie Bausor returns to the development squad.