CHIEDOZIE OGBENE has become the third Ireland international to be signed by Ipswich Town this summer.
The Premier League new boys have splashed out in the region of €9.5million for the Cork man who has agreed a deal until the summer of 2028.
Luton Town had signed him on a free transfer from Rotherham United 12 months ago but have decided to cash in following their relegations from the top flight.
But Tractor Boys boss Kieran McKenna– from Fermanagh – has been endorsing a ‘Buy Irish’ policy since winning promotion.
Already he has brought in Sammie Szmodics – who scored his first goal in the 4-1 defeat to Manchester City on Saturday – from Blackburn Rovers and Dara O’Shea from Burnley.
Ogbene – who made 30 league appearances for Luton last season – said: “I’m very excited and feel lucky to have this opportunity to play in the Premier League again.
“I’ve had very positive chats with the manager and for someone to believe in me that I could play at this level again means a lot to me and my family.
“I know what he wants from me and the role I will play and I’m here to be a positive addition to the squad as we look to achieve our goals.
“It’s an opportunity I had to grab with both hands and I can’t wait to be involved as soon as possible.”
Born in Nigeria, Ogbened showed sporting prowess in both hurling and soccer before deciding to concentrate on the latter.
After coming through the ranks at Cork City, he moved to Limerick where his performances earned him a move to Brentford.
He did not make an immediate impact and spent time on loan with Exeter City before joining Rotherham in 2019, experiencing two promotions from, and one relegation to, League One.
His performances there saw him make the breakthrough at international level, becoming the first African-born player to win a senior cap for Ireland. The 27-year-old has now played 20 times for the Boys in Green, scoring four goals.
That is the same number of goals he bagged in the Premier League last term when he also registered the second fastest top speed of any player in the top flight, behind only Tottenham Hotspur’s Micky van de Ven.