FORMER Colchester United striker Freddie Ladapo has signed for Ipswich Town.
The 29-year-old, who started in the U's academy and made six substitute appearances for the club's first team during his time at the JobServe Community Stadium, has signed a three-year deal with the League One club.
Ladapo will join Ipswich following the expiration of his contract with Rotherham United and becomes their first summer signing.
He told iFollow Ipswich: “I’ve had a long day doing paperwork, the medical and meeting people, but I am so pleased to have signed here.
“Everyone has been so good to me already and shown me around the training ground and stadium.
“The chance to come and play for this club, with the history and fanbase it has, is brilliant for me. I am buzzing.
“The manager has plans and goals here, and this feels like the perfect fit for me.”
Ladapo, who signed his first professional contract with Colchester in 2012, left the U's to join Kidderminster Harriers in January, 2014.
The 6ft 2in striker then had loan spells at Hayes & Yeading and Grays and also played for Margate followed joining Premier League outfit Crystal Palace, in 2016.
Ladapo went on to play for the likes of Oldham Athletic and Shrewsbury Town before leaving Palace to join Southend United.
He then moved to Plymouth Argyle before becoming Rotherham United's record signing in the summer of 2019.
Ladapo scored 41 goals in 78 starts and 45 sub appearances in his two seasons with the Millers.
A fortnight ago, Rotherham announced that they had released the striker despite having an option to keep him for a further season.
The Millers left him out of their final three games of their League One promotion campaign.
Ladapo is Kieran McKenna’s first permanent senior signing since he took over as Ipswich boss, in December.
McKenna told iFollow Ipswich: “We are really happy to have secured Freddie’s services.
“He is a proven goalscorer at this level but beyond that he brings qualities to the side that we think will be important for us.
“Freddie has a good physical stature, the ability to run beyond the defence, and is good in one-on-one situations.
“He’s a signing that we think can be really important for us.”
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