After months of speculation as to his next destination, it has been confirmed that Ireland international Chiedozie Ogbene will be joining Premier League new comers Luton Town.
The club announced the signing on social media this afternoon, making it the second time in as many weeks that an Irish player has made a move to England's top league, following Dara O'Shea's move to Burnley.
The to the Premier League comes is a very welcome surprise for, as most of the clubs linked to Ogbene were either Championship clubs or ones from mainland Europe.
The 26-year-old will join Luton on July 1st, when his contract with Rotherham United - with whom he has made 136 appearances across four seasons - expires.
However, Luton's announcement on their website did not make clear the length of Ogbene's contract or what the transfer fee is.
“I’m delighted to be here as a Premier League player, because of my journey and where I’ve been in the last five-and-a-half years, from Limerick FC and the League of Ireland to Luton Town FC in the Premier League," said Ogbene.
My former coach said it would be one in 200,000 – I guess I’m that one!
My journey is special to me. I come from Rotherham United, who I spent four seasons with and where I achieved some great things with some great people.
But to be considered to be a Luton Town player with an opportunity to feature in the Premier League was an opportunity I couldn’t turn down.”
I’m just excited to be here. To feature in the Premier League is everyone’s dream and I’m really happy for the opportunity.
Chiedoze Ogbene Is Heading To The Premier League
Welcome, @EdozieOgbene! 🇮🇪@premierleague | #COYH pic.twitter.com/KnOF4KEUKk
— Luton Town FC (@LutonTown) June 27, 2023
READ HERE: Nice Moment As Chiedozie Ogbene Helps American Tourist In Search For Ireland Kit
Luton manager Rob Edwards also had his say on the signing:
“Chio is a really exciting addition and is someone we’ve liked for a while. We got to look at him a lot last season in preparing to play against him and his Rotherham team, and in my opinion he was their best and most threatening player.
“We actually did a reasonable amount of work on stopping him as well as part of our game planning, so you know when you are doing that, he should be on a list for possible recruitment.
“We know we are going to need some real athleticism in the Premier League, and he knows how to use it. He’s flexible, and he’s going to be able to play through the middle as a forward, but also as a wide one, if we wanted to play with wide forwards. He can play a couple of positions.
“Chio also brings experience of top level football. He’s an Irish international and he’s played in some high level games and done well in them, particularly against France who are one of the best nations in the world.
“He’s still at a good age where he’s willing to learn and he’s a fantastic human being, we had a brilliant chat and I just loved his personality.
“He’s humble, he comes from a great family background and he’s had to work extremely hard to get where he is now, to get a crack in the Premier League. He should be really proud of himself and we’re delighted to be able to give him that chance.”
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