Being labelled as a club’s record signing is never an easy tag to live up to.
Leicester City have broken their transfer record numerous times over the years, most recently when they broke the bank to sign Youri Tielemans for £32m in 2019.
Some lived up to the role, including Tielemans, but for others it was more of a challenge, as Andrej Kramaric knew all too well.
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Andrej Kramaric struggled at Leicester City after record signing
Following the return to the Premier League after a 10-year absence, the Foxes broke their record fee paid for a player twice in one season, first with Leonardo Ulloa in summer 2014 before Kramaric joined in January for £9m.
Kramaric turned down approaches from Chelsea to come to the King Power Stadium but never set the world alight, scoring just three goals an making two substitute appearances in the title-winning season.
He left the Foxes midway through that season, initially on loan to Hoffenheim, before making his move permanent and is still there to this day.
It was a shame he never lived up to the hype in the East Midlands and despite his disappointing spell, there was a feeling he was never given a chance.
But for the Croatia international, Kramaric felt that he was partly to blame for the failed move.
Speaking to Sky Sports in 2022, he said: “I have to be honest, I learned so much at Leicester.
“It was a big experience for me to see something different. It was kind of my fault I was not 100 per cent fit at that time but I learned a lot. It was something amazing that I will never forget. That is for sure why I am also this kind of player and person at Hoffenheim.”
Andrej Kramaric is now Hoffenheim’s all-time leading goal scorer
Since leaving Leicester, things have gone to plan for Kramaric. The 33-year-old is still leading the line for the Bundesliga outfit and even tops their all-time goal scoring charts.
From 317 games, the forward has 139 goals and counting. His closest competitor, Sejad Salihovic doesn’t even have half of that tally and is 72 goals behind with 67.
| Hoffenheim all-time leading goal scorer |
| Andrej Kramaric – 139 |
| Sejad Salihovic – 67 |
| Vedad Ibisevic – 54 |
| Roberto Firmino – 49 |
| Thoms Ollhoff – 42 |
In 2022, Kramaric said ‘everything had gone perfect’ since leaving the Foxes and has even been endorsed by Germany national team coach Julian Nagelsmann, who said he was the best player he has ever coached.
“The best player I’ve worked with so far? Andrej Kramaric,” the German told Sata 24 in 2019. “He is a good example of strong development and unbelievable consistency. He’s a great guy, always gives everything and deserved to have this positive career.”