Finnish football prospect Ilari Kangasniemi makes surprising move to England's third tier

Finnish youth national team defender Ilari Kangasniemi, 19, has made a surprising move from Inter Turku to English club Leicester City. The transfer, announced Wednesday after Kangasniemi passed his medical, includes a five-year contract and a reported fee of 2.5 million euros.

This fee marks a record for a Finnish league club. However, the full amount will not go to Inter Turku, as Italian giant Inter Milan is set to receive a portion due to Kangasniemi's time in their youth system. FC Inter Turku also transfers a share to Seinäjoen Jalkapallokerho, Kangasniemi's former club.

The choice of Leicester City, currently in England's third-tier League One despite their past Premier League title, might seem unexpected. Reports suggest Kangasniemi was promised significant playing time, a crucial factor for young players' development. Leicester is considered a top club in League One and a favorite for promotion.

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This league is much tougher than the Finnish league. However, I have also played a few European games, which helps.

Kangasniemi expressed optimism about his move, stating the league is tougher than Finland's but his experience in European games will help. He believes Leicester's manager, Russell Martin, has a strong track record with young players, making it the "right place" for him. The English third tier serves as a prominent showcase for clubs in higher divisions, offering a more likely path to the top leagues than success in a mid-tier European league.

Kangasniemi, a 199cm center-back, is noted for his speed and ball skills, not just his height. He joins two other Finns in League One this season: Ilmari Niskanen at Blackpool and Arttu Hoskonen at Stockport.

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I know I have come to the right place.