The 24-year-old Australia international, recruited from Stoke City on Tuesday evening, ended a seven-year association with the Sky Bet Championship club to become the Foxes’ third signing of the January transfer window, penning a five-and-a-half-year deal.
After having a chance to look around LCFC Training Ground, and get to know his new surroundings, the imposing centre-back sat down with LCFC TV to discuss a busy few days and outline several ambitions for the start of his Leicester career.
“It’s been a whirlwind,” the defender began. “Obviously, I knew of the interest in the middle of January and then for about a week or so there were talks ongoing, but I knew as the deadline got closer that it would probably be on the final day.
“It was a long day, but I’m absolutely thrilled to get it over the line and be here. Meeting all the lads and the staff for the first time, it’s been a really nice welcome. It’s just a good group of people and I’m looking forward to working with them.
“I’m just really happy and I just can’t wait to get going. I try to stay off social media just now, but I’ve had a few messages from family and friends and I’m sure I’ll see all the reaction from the fans.”
Standing at 6ft 6in, Souttar’s stature has become a distinctive characteristic of his game, while the experience of playing, and suitably impressing, in the recent FIFA World Cup tournament in Qatar should stand him in good stead for the rigours of the Premier League.
“My height gets made out to be a big thing,” he admitted. “I really like to defend, first and foremost, but I like to play as well. That’s something I spoke to the manager about and how he likes to play here, and what he expects from every player and their roles and responsibilities.
“I feel it’s a strength of my game, with my height. I’d be worried if it wasn’t. I try and make the most of attacking set pieces and defending set pieces. If I can get on the end of a few then happy days.
“So, I think it’s a great fit for myself. When I met him (Brendan Rodgers), we had a discussion about the Club and the history of the Club. It was a good chat. I’m just eager to get on the grass now.”
Souttar, who previously spent time at Dundee United in Scotland and had loans with Ross County and Fleetwood Town during a lengthy spell as a Stoke player, feels ready to raise his game for the top-flight and perform alongside some quality players.
The Aberdeen-born defender continued: “I just thought what an amazing opportunity it would be to go and try and play in the Premier League and make that step up from the Championship. If you ask any player, they want to try and play at the highest level.
“It was certainly an ambition of mine and now I’m here, I’ve got to work hard – even harder than I worked before – to try and get in the team. It’s something that I just can’t wait for.
“If you look, it’s a really good squad of players. There’s a lot of good talent in the dressing room, so it’s going to be tough to get in. I’m just going to work my hardest and try my best to get into the team.
“I’m sure with a couple of wins and we can bounce right back up the table. Coming off a two-week injury myself, I might have to be patient, but when I’m ready, I’ll play well.”
With a trip to Aston Villa next up in the Premier League on Saturday, Souttar is eager to make his debut for the Foxes when the right moment comes, and also play in front of the Blue Army at King Power Stadium for the first time.
“I’m really excited,” he added. “I’ve obviously known and watched the Club on TV many times. The training facilities and the stadium are amazing. It (LCFC Training Ground) is incredible, such an amazing facility.
“I don’t think words can do it justice. Everything is there for the players. I don’t think there’s any excuses. They are world-class, so I can’t wait to play in front of them (the fans) and see the reaction.”