Ipswich Town complete signing of Christian Walton from Brighton & Hove Albion following successful loan spell in Suffolk
Ipswich Town have made the permanent capture of loan goalkeeper Christian Walton their first signing in the January transfer window.
The Suffolk club have paid an undisclosed fee to Premier League Brighton & Hove Albion for the 26-year-old whose contract at the Amex club was set to expire in the summer.
Walton, who has impressed since signing on a season-long loan at Portman Road under his former Wigan Athletic boss Paul Cook's tenure, has penned a two-and-a-half-year deal at the League One club. The club will have the option to extend the deal by 12 months.
It is believed the Tractor Boys were able to sign the England Under-21 capped player amid interest from several Championship clubs.
Walton, who has made 18 appearances for the Suffolk side already since his loan debut against Bolton Wanderers in September, told iFollow Ipswich: “It's been a long process so to have it done now is brilliant.
"I was in my final year of the contract with Brighton, and they allowed me to go and play regular football which is what I wanted and needed. Now, having enjoyed my time here, I have a long-term future at the club.
"Initially joining a club like Ipswich was a no-brainer, and now I want to stay at a club that has aspirations to go places. I want to play my part.
"I've had it in my mind that I wanted to stay here, so now I am buzzing it has been sorted."
The 6ft 4in keeper becomes Kieran McKenna's first signing as a manager.
The Town boss said: “We’re delighted Christian has signed on a permanent deal.
“He has lots of qualities and a big presence. He has proved to be a key player for us.
“Making this move shows Christian’s appetite to achieve things here as well. He is someone with an excellent attitude and work ethic, and everyone is really pleased he has committed his future to the football club.
“He’ll continue to work closely with Rene Gilmartin, who has a blossoming relationship with the goalkeepers, and we all look forward to seeing him develop as he enters his prime years as a ‘keeper.”
The club's CEO, Mark Ashton, feels they have completed a key bit of business.
"It's great news for the club that Christian will be staying at Portman Road," he said.
"Christian is a model professional who is hungry to achieve success with Ipswich Town, and we are delighted to have him on board on a permanent basis."
Walton, born in Wadebridge, Cornwall, started his career at Plymouth Argyle rising through ranks before being named as an unused substitute three days after his 16th birthday in an FA Cup tie at home to Stourbridge.
In 2014 he joined then Championship outfit Brighton, where he made his debut for the club in the League Cup against Tottenham Hotspur in October that year.
Loan spells followed at Bury, Plymouth, Luton, and Southend before Walton linked up with Cook's Wigan for a successful two-season spell in July 2017.
Walton was an ever present in the Championship on loan to Blackburn Roves in 2019/20, as Tony Mowbray's side secured a mid-table finish.
Last season he stayed with parent club Brighton where he featured twice in the FA Cup, and on the international front he has represented England at U19, U20 and U21 level.