Charlton Athletic are thrilled to announce the loan signing of prolific goalscorer Freddie Ladapo.
The 30-year-old striker, who joins the Addicks from Ipswich Town for the remainder of 2023/24, has been promoted from League One in each of the last two seasons and has hit double figures in his last four campaigns at this level.
He arrives at Charlton having made 22 appearances for Championship side Ipswich across all competitions this term.
Ladapo said: "I'm really happy to be joining Charlton. I'm so excited to be here and I'm looking forward to seeing what we can achieve during the rest of the season.”
Michael Appleton is delighted to make Ladapo his sixth signing as Charlton Head Coach. He explained: “Freddie’s a massive goal threat who brings lots of quality. He’s a player who’s comfortable playing with his back to goal and running towards goal. He’s very quick, he’s athletic, he’s got a very good record at this level and he’s a really exciting signing. I think everyone is going to look forward to having him on board.”
Technical Director Andy Scott added: “Freddie is someone we’ve been after for a long time. He’s got a proven record of scoring goals in this league and getting promotions. He’s been at Ipswich most recently and shown he can compete in the Championship as well. It’s a major coup to be able to bring in a player of his quality.”
Born in Romford, Ladapo began his professional career at Colchester United.
While with the U’s, he took in loan spells with Thurrock, Chelmsford City, Bishop’s Stortford, Woking and Nuneaton Town.
He moved to Kidderminster Harriers in January 2014 and gained further experience on loan at Hayes & Yeading United and Grays Athletic, before joining Margate in early 2015.
After bagging 25 goals for the Gate, he completed a move to Crystal Palace following a successful trial period.
The striker then joined Oldham Athletic and Shrewsbury Town on loan and earned his Eagles debut in a Premier League clash at Manchester United in September 2017.
Ladapo returned to Southend, who he represented at youth level, in the winter of 2018 before signing for Plymouth Argyle ahead of the 2018/19 campaign.
He finished that season as Argyle’s top scorer with 19 goals, prompting Rotherham United to sign the forward for a club-record fee.
Ladapo scored 41 goals during his three seasons at Rotherham, securing automatic promotion to the Championship twice and also lifting the EFL Trophy.
He joined Ipswich Town ahead of the 2022/23 campaign and scored 17 league goals as the Tractor Boys secured a return to the Championship.
The deal is subject to EFL approval.
