Leeds United confirm capture of ‘The Wizard’

The 22-year-old, nicknamed ‘The Wizard’ because of his dribbling skills, completed his medical at the club and agreed personal terms yesterday before being unveiled as United’s eighth signing of the summer today.

He arrives for an undisclosed fee, believed to be up to £1 million after making more than 70 appearances in two years for Excelsior after previous playing for Club Brugge, in Belgium.

He told the club website: “I am very happy, it happened very fast.

“In two or three days everything was arranged. It was just crazy.

“I knew Leeds were a big club. I looked a few things up and I heard from other people. This is a new adventure for me.”

Botaka is currently away on international duty with Congo and will link up with his new team-mates next week at Thorp Arch after playing against Central Africa. He follows Charlie Horton, Lee Erwin, Sol Bamba, Chris Wood, Tom Adeyemi, Ross Turnbull and Stuart Dallas as United additions for this season and has been given squad number 20.