Ireland’s Chiedozie Ogbene has signed for the Premiership side Luton Town from Rotherham United. The 26-year-old will sign for Luton on July 1 when his Rotherham contract ends.
The Ireland star leaves his old club having made 136 appearances across his four seasons with the Millers, which included 36 goals.
Since breaking onto the scene and becoming Ireland’s first-ever African-born player, Ogbene has won 15 caps for Ireland and scored four goals for his country.
There had been speculation around Ogbene’s future as his contract neared its conclusion, his future has now been resolved.
Speaking on the move, the Cork native said, “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 in the Premier League. 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, whom I spent four seasons with and where I achieved some great things with some great people. But to be considered a Luton Town player with an opportunity to feature in the Premier League was an opportunity I couldn’t turn down.”
Manager Rob Edwards also added that he believed Ogbene was a “really exciting addition to their squad” ahead of their upcoming Premiership adventure. Luton has had to wait 31 years to get back to England’s top league.
“Chieo is a really exciting addition and is someone we’ve liked for a while,” said Edwards. “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.
“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.”
If Edwards gives the Ireland player a chance in their Premier League opener, Ogbene’s first game for Luton could be against Brighton on August 14.
