Transfer Centre

Luton Town announce Chiedozie Ogbene signing

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 27 June 2023

Luton Town announce the signing of Chiedozie Ogbene on a free transfer from Rotherham United, their first new arrival since winning promotion to the Premier League.

Luton Town have announced the signing of Chiedozie Ogbene from Rotherham United on a free transfer.

The 26-year-old will join the newly-promoted Hatters on July 1, when his contract at New York Stadium expires.

Ogbene scored nine goals and created four more in 42 appearances for Rotherham across all competitions last season, helping the Millers to retain their Championship status.

The forward is also a full Republic of Ireland international, having scored four goals in 15 appearances for the Boys in Green.

"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 FC in the Premier League. My former coach said it would be one in 200,000 – I guess I'm that one!" Ogbene told the club's official website.

Welcome, @EdozieOgbene! 🇮🇪@premierleague | #COYH pic.twitter.com/KnOF4KEUKk
— Luton Town FC (@LutonTown) June 27, 2023

"My journey is special to me. I come from Rotherham United, who I spent four seasons with and where I achieved some great things with some great people. But to be considered to be a Luton Town player with an opportunity to feature in the Premier League was an opportunity I couldn't turn down.

"I'm just excited to be here. To feature in the Premier League is everyone's dream and I'm really happy for the opportunity."

Manager Rob Edwards added: "Chio is a really exciting addition and is someone we've liked for a while. 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.

"We actually did a reasonable amount of work on stopping him as well as part of our game planning, so you know when you are doing that, he should be on a list for possible recruitment.

"We know we are going to need some real athleticism in the Premier League, and he knows how to use it. He's flexible, and he's going to be able to play through the middle as a forward, but also as a wide one, if we wanted to play with wide forwards. He can play a couple of positions.

Luton Town manager Rob Edwards applauds fans after the match on May 13, 2023 © Reuters

"Chio also brings experience of top level football. He's an Irish international and he's played in some high level games and done well in them, particularly against France who are one of the best nations in the world.

"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."

The striker becomes Luton's first new signing since their promotion to the Premier League.

Ogbene will join up with his new teammates for pre-season training next month and could make his debut when they get their maiden Premier League campaign underway at Brighton & Hove Albion on August 12.