Ipswich Town have announced the signing of winger Gwion Edwards from League One side Peterborough united.
The EADT and Ipswich Star understands that the fee for the 25-year-old is around £700k, with 20% of that going to his former club Crawley Town.
He was going into the final year of his contract at London Road and pushed hard for the move to go through. Edwards pens a two-year deal at Portman Road, with Town holding the option to extend that by a further year.
A former Wales U21 player who came through the Swansea City youth system, Edwards has produced some dazzling wing displays in League One over the last two seasons – most often deployed on the left where he would cut inside onto his stronger right foot.
Having suffered knee injuries, it’s understood he underwent a rigorous medical yesterday. Town face one of Edwards’ former clubs, Crawley, in a pre-season friendly at East Grinstead Town tonight.
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He becomes the third Town signing under new boss Paul Hurst following the additions of defender/midfielder Trevoh Chalobah (Chelsea, season-long loan) and winger Jordan Roberts (Crawley Town, free).
“I’m absolutely buzzing to be here, I can’t wait to get started now,” Edwards told the club website. “I’ve just signed on the dotted line now. I’m really excited.”
Asked what will he offer the Town side, he replied: “Pace really, I like to run with the ball and just try and create some chances, set some goals up and get some goals myself.”
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On boss Paul Hurst, he said: “I’ve spoken to a few people who were at Shrewsbury with him and other lads who know him and all I’ve heard is good things.
“The boys I’ve spoken to today, they’ve said good things, they’re enjoying it, so I’m excited to be part of the team and looking forward to starting the season.”
At his first press conference as Blues boss, Hurst said adding wingers to an ‘imbalanced squad’ was his top priority.
He said: One thing I don’t mind saying publicly is that, in terms of balance, I don’t think we have got enough wingers,” he said. “I like wide players. I like players to carry the ball up the pitch.
“As fans we like those players, naturally. Someone who can get you off your seat.
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“There has to be an end product though. A couple of lads I had last year (at Shrewsbury: Alex Rodman and Shaun Whalley), not only was there the assists and the goals they contributed to, but they also did the other bits.
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“There has to be clear evidence they are contributing. There is no point beating three players and kicking it behind the goal. You might get a little round of applause, but if you keep doing that will soon stop.”
TOWN’S SUMMER BUSINESS
IN: Trevoh Chalobah (Chelsea, season-long loan), Jordan Roberts (Crawley Town, free), Gwion Edwards (Peterborough Utd, £700k).
OUT: Adam Webster (Bristol City, £3.5m), David McGoldrick, Mustapha Carayol (released), Luke Hyam (Southend, free), Stephen Gleeson (Aberdeen, free), Kevin Bru (Apollon Limassol, free), Michael Crowe (Preston, free).
LOANS EXPIRED: Dominic Iorfa, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Callum Connolly, Bersant Celina.
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