Brazilian winger Tete has signed a temporary contract with Leicester City from Shakhtar Donetsk in Ukraine.
The 22-year-contract old’s with Shakhtar was suspended in March 2022, which led to his loan to French club Lyon.
Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, foreign players there were permitted to renege on their contracts until June 30, 2023.
The forward is “now scheduled to return to Shakhtar on July 1,” according to Leicester.
Tete, who made 30 appearances for Lyon and contributed 10 assists in addition to eight goals, is still under contract with Shakhtar through the end of 2023.
Tete exclaimed, “I’m so glad to be here,” after entering King Power Stadium.
“I’ve looked at the field and the stadium; they are both lovely, and I can immediately picture what it will be like with a large number of spectators.
“I want to contribute many goals and assists. I hope everyone will enjoy seeing me play; I’m glad to be a fox.
Despite being in 14th place in the Premier League, Leicester is only one point above the drop zone.
Tete is Leicester’s second new acquisition in January. The agreement only lasts for six months, and there is a complex rationale behind this.
He was able to sign with Lyon until the end of the season due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. He was virtually “bought out” of that agreement by Leicester, but he is still under contract with Shakhtar Donetsk through the end of this year.
If the Foxes want to recruit their first Brazilian player on a permanent basis, they will have to renegotiate the contract in the summer.
He could also be signed on a pre-contract basis for free in the summer, but that would only allow him to join once his contract with Shakhtar expires on December 31.
As the Foxes gear up for a relegation battle, he will bring much-needed flair, threat, and goals to the front line.
The fact that he can play on the right wing, perhaps most critically, will allow playmaker James Maddison to return to the midfield. For Leicester, the rest of the season may depend on it.
