Chiedozie Ogbene has joined Premier League new boys Ipswich Town in a four-year deal for an undisclosed fee after a season with Luton Town, with boss Rob Edwards admitting the transfer window has been unsettling and telling fans the rumour mill won’t quieten down before Friday’s deadline.
The 27-year-old Republic of Ireland international joined the Hatters as a free agent last summer, having been at Rotherham United, and deal to take him to Portman Road has been reported in the region £8million.
Ogbene started all three games in the Championship this season, taking his Town tally to 39 appearances, but he was absent from the squad for last night’s Carabao Cup exit, 4-1 on penalties at QPR.
After the penalty shootout disappointment last night, asked about replacing Ogbene before the transfer window shuts on Friday, when Luton play QPR again in the Championship, manager Rob Edwards told the BBC: “We’re working on stuff, of course. The line has always been that we want to make sure that if we do let someone go, and they go for the right money, and it’s the right thing for them, then we’ll push to make sure that we’re in a really strong position with incomings as well. We’re working hard on that at the moment.
“Honestly, it’s difficult. The window’s tough when you’re playing games. One or two could be unsettled and it’s hard. It’s been a real challenge few months, managing injuries coming back, the drop down anyway, the window it does unsettle people, so it’s not easy.
“I’ll be really pleased when it closes on Friday and we can get to work with the group that we know we’ve got.”
There has been rumoured interest in a £10m swoop for goalkeeper Thomas Kaminski from Leicester City, and while Edwards did not comment on the Belgian, he said of the remaining days in the transfer window: “It’s not going to quieten down over the next couple of days so get ready for all of that sort of stuff.
“Sometimes what you read, or see, or hear, isn’t always true as well, so let’s see what the next couple of days bring. It’s not ideal playing on deadline day as well. It’s a strange one.”
Asked if his message to fans is ‘we’ll be ready’? Edwards said: “I flipping hope so. We’re working hard on it (transfers).”
After his move was confirmed Ogbene wrote on his Instagram page: “Dear Hatters. I know it has only been a short spell together but it has been an unforgettable one. The club that gave me the opportunity to prove my doubters wont & live my Premier League dream.
“You also gave me the platform to showcase my family’s name to the world, I cannot thank you enough for this chance! Being given the opportunity to relieve this dream was simply one I could not turn down. I hope I will bring joy to those supporting & That my journey can empower people to chase their dreams. Wishing you all the best for this season & beyond. Your boy Chieo.”
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