Ipswich Town have completed the signing of versatile defender Janoi Donacien from Accrington Stanley.
The 24-year-old joins initially on loan due to the fact the Blues are still ironing out a few work permit issues for a player who hails from the Caribbean island of St Lucia.
Once that is all sorted though, an agreement is in place for a £750k permanent switch.
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Capable of playing centre-back or in either full-back position, Donacien started 49 times in all competitions for a Stanley side that conceded just 46 goals on their way to claiming the League Two title last season.
“Ever since I heard about the move I’ve been so excited,” said Donacien. “I didn’t hear about the interest the normal way and when I did I just thought ‘wow’. It’s a great club and I thought ‘we just need to get this done’.
“I know it’s a massive club and it’s a sleeping giant in this league.”
Reflecting on his time at Accrington, he said: “We did something the club probably never imagined they would do. I had an unbelievable two years and I wish the club all the best.
“But when a club like Ipswich comes in for you there’s not much you can say.”
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The former Tottenham and Aston Villa youth team player continued: “It’s just been a massive learning curve, every single step I’ve taken. I’ve just been gaining experience, playing as many games as I can and it’s obviously led me here.
“Apparently the boys have worked really hard pre-season. The manager has told me his plans, what he wants for the club and it seems really good.”
“Janoi has done well over the last couple of seasons. He defends very well one v one and gets up and down the pitch,” Town boss Paul Hurst told the club website.
“He is someone that again fits the profile of what we are looking for – someone who is hungry, has not played at this level before - and he’s at a good age that we feel there is progression there.
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“He is versatile and has played right across the back four. He brings competition in all areas, particularly at full-back and that gives us options.
“We want that right across the squad, that competition for places and we’re delighted to have him here.”
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