Jubril Okedina re-signs for Cambridge United on a permanent deal

Cambridge United have confirmed that Jubril Okedina has rejoined the club on a two-year deal.

The 20-year-old had a promising loan spell at The Abbey in the second half of last season, making 15 appearances as the U’s earned automatic promotion from League Two. Before his stint in Cambridgeshire, he was offered a new deal by parent club Tottenham Hotspur, who reportedly had high hopes for the young centre-back.

Despite being made captain of the under-23 side, Okedina was involved in first-team training sessions earlier in the summer. However, he clearly didn’t feature in the plans of new Spurs boss Nuno Espírito Santo, who has now let him go on a permanent basis.

Speaking of the move, Okedina explained that he was “very happy to be back”.

“It just made sense for me to come back here with people I know and in a higher league. The conversations with the Manager have been very positive and I can’t wait to get going now and to finally play in-front of the fans.”

Head coach Mark Bonner has been looking to add defensive reinforcements to his squad for a number of weeks, with club captain Greg Taylor and new arrival Lloyd Jones previously the only centre-back options at his disposal. He explained how the arrival of Okedina now provides much needed depth and competition in the U’s back-line.

“Signing Jubril gives us the cover and competition that we need in the defensive unit and the fact this is a permanent transfer allows him to settle and be a full part of what we are developing. This is a good opportunity for him to consolidate his place in a first team squad and commit to the work and learning required to keep improving.

“We know Jubril well from last season and having undertaken a successful loan period with us, his aim now is to contribute to the squad over the coming months and to adjust with us at League One level.

“He should be able to settle into the club and environment quickly as there will be no surprises on what we are trying to build and the culture we want to work in. His potential is obvious and we will be pushing him to realise that with us in the weeks ahead.”

Okedina becomes the second player to arrive at the club this summer on an undisclosed fee, following Jack Lankester’s move from Ipswich Town at the end of June. He becomes the U’s ninth signing of the transfer window.

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