Ipswich Town have confirmed the signing of free-agent Sone Aluko, formerly of Reading.
The 32-year-old former Nigeria international has penned a one-year deal at Portman Road, with the League One club having the option to extend his stay by a further 12 months.
“Two in a day as Sone [Aluko] pens one-year deal,” Ipswich confirmed on their official website. “Aluko is Town’s 12th summer signing.
“The versatile forward has penned a one-year deal at Portman Road, with the club having the option to extend his stay by a further 12 months.
“The 32-year-old is also the Blues’ second signing of the day, following on from the arrival of Louie Barry on loan earlier this afternoon.”
The statement continued: “Sone, a former Nigerian international, progressed through the youth ranks at Birmingham City and had loan spells at Aberdeen and Blackpool while on the books at St Andrew's.
🙌 Two in a day!🎥 Hear from new recruit, Sone Aluko.👇 #itfc pic.twitter.com/h0aIUtp21i— Ipswich Town FC (@IpswichTown) August 6, 2021
“After an impressive stint in Scotland, Sone opted for a return to Pittodrie and signed a permanent deal with Aberdeen in September 2008.
“He spent three years with The Dons before switching to Rangers in November 2011, where a highlight of his was scoring a hat-trick on the final day of the 2011/12 Scottish Premiership season as The Gers beat St Johnstone 4-0.
“Moves to Hull City, Fulham and Reading followed, including a loan spell at Beijing Renhe in 2019.
“He arrives at Portman Road with a wealth of experience and will look to apply that as Paul Cook’s side strives for promotion this season.”
On signing the deal, Aluko said: “I’m really looking forward to being a part of this project. I’m very excited.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to get promoted with other teams in my career, and I want to contribute to this team now.”
Ipswich coach Cook said on signing Aluko: “We’re putting together a squad that can hopefully compete at the top end of this division.
“Sone is a fantastic addition to that squad.
“He’ll be available for Tuesday night’s game and I’m sure our fans will get a glimpse of him very quickly.”
Sone will wear the number 23 shirt for Town but he will not be available for Saturday’s season opener against Morecambe at Portman Road.