Leicester City have confirmed the signing of West Brom captain Jonny Evans. The centre-back joins the Foxes after they met his £3.5million relegation release clause.
The 30-year-old spent three years at the Hawthorns after joining in 2015. Previously, he spent nine years at Manchester United. With 28 league appearances this season, he scored twice and has been capped 70 times for Northern Ireland. Off the pitch, he was criticised for his role in the theft of a taxi on a mid-season training camp in Spain.
How he fits in
Evans is Leicester’s second defensive signing of the summer, joining right back Ricardo Pereira. The Foxes struggled defensively last season, conceding the fifth most league goals. Captain Wes Morgan’s form dropped significantly during the season and Claude Puel will likely see Evans as his replacement.
Alternatively, Puel could use Evans alongside Wes Morgan and Leicester’s Player of the Season Harry Maguire as part of a new back three. This, however, seems unlikely, given all three’s lack of pace.
📝 #lcfc have agreed terms with West Bromwich Albion for the transfer of defender Jonny Evans: https://t.co/KTldVGIO1M
#WelcomeEvans pic.twitter.com/QRsnFx5Hfs— Leicester City (@LCFC) June 8, 2018
Where this leaves West Brom
Further departures are forthcoming, with Salomon Rondon linked with several Premier League clubs while Sean Dyche reportedly wants Jay Rodriguez back at Burnley.
Despite the loss of Evans West Brom still have good experience throughout their squad; Darren Moore will hope to persuade key players to remain as they aim to return to the Premier League.
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