Harry Souttar in action for Leicester City
Harry James Souttar, the towering 6ft 7in centre-back, has been making waves in the world of football. Born on October 22, 1998, in Aberdeen, Scotland, Souttar has quickly risen through the ranks to establish himself as a key player for both Leicester City in the EFL Championship and the Australian national team.
Early Life
Souttar grew up in Luthermuir and attended Luthermuir Primary School and Mearns Academy in Laurencekirk. His passion for football developed early, and he honed his skills playing for Brechin City Boys Club. After a brief attachment to Celtic, Souttar joined the Dundee United academy in July 2013. His older brother, John, also a professional footballer, plays for Rangers and represents Scotland. The Souttar brothers' dual eligibility to represent Australia or Scotland on the international stage is due to their mother Heather, who was born in Port Hedland, Western Australia. Interestingly, they both grew up supporting their father's former team, Brechin City, where their father, Jack, had played in the 1970s.
Club Career
Dundee United
Souttar began his senior career at Dundee United, where he made his debut in a Scottish Premiership match against Partick Thistle on May 10, 2016. He quickly caught the attention of English Premier League club Stoke City, who signed him in 2016.
Stoke City
Despite initial complications with his transfer due to age restrictions, Souttar officially joined Stoke City in September 2016. He made his debut for the club in an EFL Cup win over Rochdale in August 2017. Souttar's talent and potential were evident as he became a regular starter for Stoke City. He also had loan spells at Ross County and Fleetwood Town, where he gained valuable experience and showcased his abilities. Souttar's impressive performances earned him recognition, and he was named Stoke City's Player of the Month in October 2020. He signed a new long-term contract with the club in February 2021.
Leicester City
In January 2023, Souttar made a move to Leicester City, joining them on a five-and-a-half-year contract. The transfer fee, reported to be around £15 million, could rise to £20 million with add-ons. Souttar's arrival at Leicester City has further solidified their defensive line and added depth to the squad.
International Career
Souttar initially represented Scotland at the youth level but switched his allegiance to Australia in 2019. He made his debut for the Australian national team in a World Cup qualifier against Nepal in October 2019, scoring twice in a 5-0 victory. Souttar's towering height of 6ft 7in makes him the tallest outfield player to have represented Australia at the senior level. He was also part of the Australian squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where he received significant praise for his defensive performances.
Conclusion
Harry Souttar's journey from Scotland to Australia and his remarkable rise in professional football have been nothing short of inspiring. With his impressive skills, height, and dedication to the sport, he has become a valuable asset for both Leicester City and the Australian national team. As he continues to develop and gain experience, there is no doubt that Harry Souttar has a bright future ahead in the world of football.
Note: All information in this article is correct as of February 2, 2024.
