FORMER Colchester United striker Freddie Ladapo has signed for League One side Huddersfield Town.

The 31-year-old, who was a free agent after having his deal at Ipswich Town terminated on transfer deadline day, has linked up with the Terriers on a two-year deal.

Ladapo, 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, told the Huddersfield Town website: “I’m really happy to be here, and excited to get started and contribute to the challenge ahead.

 

"As a free agent you have a choice to make, but luckily for me mine wasn’t a hard one once I knew how serious the interest was from Town.

"From the very beginning, the talks with Mark Cartwright and Michael Duff couldn’t have been more positive.

“The size and ambition of the club is really appealing to me, and reminds me of joining Ipswich Town in the same league.

"I’ve had a really good pre-season and feel great, so I just want to show the best version of myself in training and then in games for supporters, too.

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"Having played here before, I know the atmosphere the home fans can create, so I’m looking forward to experiencing that.

“We have a squad I’m delighted to be part of with a healthy competition for places within our forwards and across the pitch.

"I know this division and what it takes to get out of it, and I love that we haven’t been shy about admitting that’s exactly what our collective ambition is.

"My job is to now play a role in that.”

Ladapo signed his first professional contract with Colchester in 2012.

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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 then went onto play for Ipswich and now has a fresh challenge at Huddersfield.

(Image: NEWSQUEST)

Huddersfield head coach Michael Duff told the club's website: “With our numbers in attack limited through suspension and injury, Freddie’s arrival comes at a very important time for us and I’m really happy to have him.

"Our fixture list isn’t getting any kinder or quieter, and with a number of matches coming up against sides around us in the table, adding proven quality is never going to hurt.
 
“A player who has been promoted from League One three times already and been in a winning environment at other ambitious clubs, his record speaks for itself and he arrives knowing what it takes to thrive at this level and finish the season where you aspire to.

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“We’re looking forward to getting Freddie involved in training alongside his new teammates right away, and we have another important fixture this weekend that I’m sure he’ll want to put himself in consideration for.”

Ladapo will go straight into the Huddersfield squad for their League One trip to Bolton Wanderers, on Saturday.