Leicester City have rounded off a busy deadline day with four new arrivals, bolstering Russell Martin's squad as the club bid to bounce back from a difficult start to their League One campaign.
Riis arrives from Bristol City
The most eye-catching piece of business is the permanent signing of Danish forward Emil Riis from Bristol City for an undisclosed fee. The 28-year-old has put pen to paper on a four-year deal at King Power Stadium, giving Martin a proven goalscorer with considerable English football experience.
Riis was Bristol City's top scorer last season, netting 12 goals in all competitions and adding three assists, having joined Ashton Gate in the summer of 2025 following four and a half years with Preston North End. During his time at Deepdale he scored 41 goals in 172 league appearances, establishing himself as one of the more reliable strikers in the third and second tiers.
Speaking to the club website, Riis said: "It's a massive club with a very exciting project. I've played a lot of games in England so I hope I can bring experience to the team. I want to help the young lads we have and push them in the right direction."
Bristol City sporting director James Ellis acknowledged the departure was a difficult call, but indicated the club felt comfortable letting Riis go given their other attacking options. "There are tough decisions to be made as we build the squad and, with the new attacking additions we have, we feel this is the right move for Emil and the club," Ellis said, adding that Riis deserved the opportunity to "play regularly at a club looking to get back into the Championship".
Lundstram on two-year deal
Alongside Riis, Leicester have confirmed the signing of experienced central midfielder John Lundstram on a two-year contract. The 32-year-old arrives after departing Turkish Super Lig side Trabzonspor, most recently having spent last season on loan at Hull City, where he contributed to the Tigers' promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs.
Lundstram brings considerable pedigree: he previously helped Sheffield United gain promotion to the top flight, enjoyed considerable success at Rangers including a Scottish Cup and League Cup, and scored the goal that sent Rangers to the Europa League final in 2022. His appetite for promotion pushes will not be lost on Martin.
"I'm delighted to be here. I've played against Leicester City before and always admired them from afar," Lundstram said. "I'm ready for this next challenge in my career and can't wait to meet the lads, meet the fans, and get started. We all know what the goal is this season and I'm looking forward to trying to help the team achieve it."
Third Brighton loanee and a new centre-back
The club have also brought in Brighton's Kamari Doyle on loan. The 21-year-old winger is the third player to arrive at Leicester from Brighton this season, joining Harry Howell and Tommy Watson at King Power. Doyle previously worked with Martin at Southampton and spent last season on loan at Reading, where he made 46 appearances. He has also had stints at Exeter City and Crawley Town earlier in his career.
Rounding off the day's activity is the permanent signing of defender Warren O'Hora from Hibernian on a three-year deal. The 27-year-old Republic of Ireland international, who came through Bohemians' academy in Dublin, is another familiar face for Martin, having made 177 appearances under him at MK Dons. O'Hora joined Hibernian in July 2024 and captained the Scottish Premiership side on several occasions last term.
Strengthening at a critical moment
The quartet arrive at an important juncture for Leicester. The Foxes failed to win any of their first three League One fixtures following relegation from the Championship, but a 2-0 home victory over Plymouth Argyle earlier in the week offered some encouragement ahead of a long and competitive third-tier season.
With Riis's goals, Lundstram's experience and depth added across the squad, Martin will hope the window's business translates quickly into results. Leicester are widely regarded as one of the favourites to challenge for promotion this season, though their stumbling start has given the division's other contenders early cause for optimism.
Frequently asked
- Why did Leicester sign Emil Riis?
- Leicester signed Danish forward Emil Riis from Bristol City on a four-year deal to add a proven goalscorer to their League One squad. Riis was Bristol City's top scorer last season with 12 goals in all competitions and brings extensive experience of English football from his time at Preston North End.
- Who is John Lundstram and why has he joined Leicester?
- John Lundstram is a 32-year-old central midfielder who has signed for Leicester on a two-year contract after leaving Turkish Super Lig club Trabzonspor. He brings a strong track record of winning promotion, most recently helping Hull City reach the Premier League via the play-offs, and is expected to add leadership and experience to Russell Martin's side.
- How many Brighton players has Leicester signed this season?
- Leicester have now signed three players on loan from Brighton this season. Kamari Doyle is the latest arrival, joining Harry Howell and Tommy Watson, who had already come to King Power Stadium from the Seagulls earlier in the transfer window.