Chris Popov joins National League Hartlepool on two-year deal after Leicester exit | OneFootball

Former Leicester City forward Chris Popov has signed a two-year contract with National League Hartlepool United at Victoria Park. According to LeicesterMercury.co.uk, the striker departed at the end of last season following the expiry of his Leicester deal.

He leaves after five years with only one senior outing, a 2024 Carabao Cup debut off the bench in a 4-0 win over Tranmere Rovers.

Popov joined Leicester in 2021 from Manchester United following his release at 16, spending most of his time in the academy. He scored 20 goals in 24 matches for the under-18s in his first season.

He later moved to Barrow in League Two, where he did not score in 12 games, before the second half of last season with Morecambe in the National League. He produced seven goals and four assists in 18 outings for the Shrimps, though they could not stay up.

Popov said he was delighted to join Hartlepool, adding that conversations with Chris Maxwell about the club’s vision, and with Lee about style and his role, left a strong impression. He felt last season gave him valuable senior experience and showed what he can do at National League level, but believes there is more to come. He noted that reuniting with Jack Nolan appeals and that he is eager to get started, play in front of the supporters and give everything to help the team pursue its aims.

Source: LeicesterMercury.co.uk