Ghana international Daniel Amartey’s versatility and age were big factors in Leicester City’s desire to sign him, manager Claudio Ranieri has said.
City signed the 21-year-old defensive midfielder last week in a £5million deal with FC Copenhagen and Ranieri said he believes they have unearthed a real gem.
Amartey can play in several positions but after being converted into a central midfield player by Copenhagen boss Stale Solbakken, he was widely considered one of the best midfielders in the Danish league.
“He is another young player with good quality and is a strong man,” said Ranieri.
“He can play centre-back, right-back, central midfield and on the right-wing.
“It is important for me to have another good young player.
“It’s important to have one player who will permit me to change something in the match. He’s strong, a hard worker. He has our spirit. I want to bring in players with our spirit.”
Amartey is City’s second signing of the January transfer window after the arrival of 19-year-old Demarai Gray from Birmingham.
The former Inter Allies trainee is back in England after given 10 days off to get ready for life in the Barclays Premier League. Amartey could make his Premier League bow when the Foxes host Liverpool on Tuesday.
The Foxes are three points clear at the top of the league table, with matches against Manchester City and Arsenal to follow after their Liverpool fixture.