Rakels joins Lech for a year

Last season Rakels competed for Reading. However, Polish fans know the forward well from when he played for Zaglebie Lubin, GKS Katowice and Cracovia. The footballer has 70 appearances in Ekstraklasa on his account, 26 goals, and 7 assists. Before Rakels moved to Poland, he debuted in Latvian national team and since then wore the national shirt 17 times.

“Rakels has got character. He doesn’t crack under pressure, he plays until the very end and fights for every single ball. We know that these are the kind of players we need in our team,” said Karol Klimczak, Lech’s chairman. “He is a universal footballer. He can play on the wings, as an offensive midfielder or as a forward. It’s an extremely important quality when playing in different competition at the same time, which we’re hoping will happen,” added the chairman.

Rakels is meant to strengthen Lech’s offensive line. The Latvian can play on both wings and as a forward. The player himself says he isn’t afraid of the rivalry and he’s optimistic about his future at Lech, but most of all happy to have signed the contract.

“I am very happy with the agreement we’ve reached. I missed playing football since last season I didn’t get to do it often. I am glad to be a part of Lech’s team. Now it’s time for me to fight for my place in the starting line-up. I know it won’t be easy, but I know what I’m capable and I believe it will all turn alright,” emphasized Deniss Rakels.

Rakels is the sixth footballer that signed a deal with Lech this summer. Emir Dilaver, Vernon De Marco, Mario Situm and Nicklas Barkroth have already joined Lech’s squad. In addition, the club from Poznan bought Maciej Makuszewski from Lechia Gdansk.