Brighton & Hove Albion have completed the signing of Leicester City striker Leonardo Ulloa on loan, three-and-a-half years after the player left the Seagulls.
Ulloa has signed until the end of the season and Albion manager Chris Hughton said, “We’re delighted to welcome Leo back to the club. He’s scored goals at Premier League level and will further strengthen our attacking options.
“I wasn’t here during his first spell at the club, but I know he was very well thought of by all concerned, including the club’s supporters.
“He’s achieved a great deal since he left, including winning a Premier League title, and his experience at this level will be hugely beneficial to us.
“Albion fans will know all about him – he’s a physical striker that holds the ball up well, and he’s capable of scoring goals, which we hope he will continue to do back here.”
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The 31-year-old became a fans’ favourite after arriving at the Amex from Almeria in 2013, scoring 26 goals in 58 appearances; he commanded a club-record transfer fee received when he moved to the King Power Stadium in July 2014.
The striker found the back of the net 20 times during his spell with the Foxes, notching six goals during the club’s famous 2015/16 campaign, when they won the Premier League.
Ulloa is fondly remembered for his stoppage-time winner against Nottingham Forest on the final day of the season in 2014, as his close-range header secured a play-off spot for the Seagulls.
He also was the first player to score a hat-trick at the Amex, as the Seagulls won 4-1 against Huddersfield Town.
Ulloa initially came to Albion’s attention at Almeria when he scored 30 goals in the Segunda Division, helping the club win promotion to the Spanish top flight.
Ulloa went on to score 48 goals for the Andalusian club, including the opening goal against Real Madrid in a 1-1 home draw, before joining Albion in January 2013.
