Leicester City have signed 35-year-old Welsh goalkeeper Dai Cornell on a one-year deal, the League One club confirmed. Cornell was a free agent after leaving Preston North End in the summer, despite being offered a new contract to stay at Deepdale.

Filling the gap left by Stolarczyk

The signing is a direct response to a significant setback in the Leicester goalkeeping department. Jakub Stolarczyk suffered a season-ending knee injury in early September, leaving Russell Martin short of experienced cover. Alex McCarthy has been the most-used goalkeeper at the club so far this season, with Argentine Franco Ravizzoli, who joined in the summer from Blackpool, stepping up to the bench following Stolarczyk's absence.

Cornell becomes the third keeper in the group and gives Martin a more settled set of options as the Foxes push to make an immediate return to the second tier.

A well-travelled career

Cornell began his career at Swansea City and has since collected an extensive list of clubs across the Football League and beyond. His career has included spells at Portsmouth, Oldham Athletic, Northampton Town, Peterborough United and a stint in Scotland with St Mirren. He made 23 appearances for Preston across four years, and Leicester are now the 11th club he has represented as a professional.

His experience of the third tier and the Football League more broadly is exactly what Martin highlighted when explaining the signing. "He understands the role he is going to fulfil here, but he also backs himself to show what a good goalkeeper he is," the Leicester manager told BBC Radio Leicester. "But first and foremost, he is a brilliant character and really adds to the character, voice and experience in this squad."

Cornell himself said he is keen to "help in any way" he can at the club.

More than just a deputy

Martin made clear that Cornell's value extends beyond simply providing cover between the sticks. At 35, with experience across multiple divisions, Cornell brings dressing-room presence as much as goalkeeping ability. For a Leicester side that has had a difficult start to their League One campaign and is still finding its footing under Martin, that kind of senior influence could prove useful in the months ahead.

The Foxes remain among the favourites for automatic promotion given the resources available to them, but the early-season stumbles have demonstrated that nothing in the third tier comes easily. Keeping a settled and experienced goalkeeper group will matter as the fixture list intensifies through autumn and winter.

Cornell is available for selection immediately and could feature as Leicester look to string together results and climb the table.

Frequently asked

Why have Leicester City signed Dai Cornell?
Leicester brought in Cornell to cover for goalkeeper Jakub Stolarczyk, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in early September, leaving the club short of experienced options.
Who is Dai Cornell and what clubs has he played for?
Dai Cornell is a 35-year-old Welsh goalkeeper who has played for clubs including Swansea City, Portsmouth, Oldham Athletic, Northampton Town, Peterborough United, St Mirren and Preston North End. Leicester are his 11th professional club.
Who is Leicester City's first-choice goalkeeper this season?
Alex McCarthy has been the most-used goalkeeper for Leicester so far this season, with Franco Ravizzoli providing bench cover and Dai Cornell now added as a third option.