Coventry City have completed the signing of Eintracht Frankfurt defender Aurele Amenda in a package worth over £17m.
The Swiss centre-back joins for an initial £15.4m plus £1.7m in potential add-ons and has agreed a four-year deal with the newly promoted Premier League side.
The 22-year-old was reportedly convinced by a strong presentation from manager Frank Lampard and the club’s recruitment team.
“After my first conversation with the manager, I felt his trust and liked the vision for the club, so this feels like the right next step,” he said.
“I’m excited to meet everyone at the club — especially the fans and, of course, my new teammates.
“I love defending our goal, but I also enjoy playing out — I’m very calm on the ball and can help the team in possession.”
Amenda was part of Switzerland’s squad that reached the World Cup quarter-finals, although he did not feature.
He is Coventry’s third summer addition after winger Loum Tchaouna from Burnley and midfielder Frank Onyeka, who has made his move from Brentford permanent.
The Sky Blues are still targeting Brighton goalkeeper Carl Rushworth but have yet to reach an agreement, with Chelsea’s Filip Jorgensen considered an alternative.
After extending Lampard’s contract this summer, Coventry opened pre-season with a 3-2 behind-closed-doors defeat to Wimbledon.
They now face Northampton Town and Espanyol as they build toward their first top-flight season in 25 years.