BURTON Albion are delighted to announce the signing of Hope Akpan on a one-year deal.
The 25-year-old started his professional career with Everton, making his debut against Bate Borisov in the Europa League back in 2009.
In 2011, he signed for newly promoted Crawley Town and scored eight goals in 60 appearances. His immediate impact was evident and he played a key role in Crawley getting promoted to League One at the first time of asking alongside current Brewer Kyle McFadzean.
Eighteen months later Premier League side Reading came in for Akpan, where he played 58 times scoring the once.
Akpan joined Blackburn Rovers in August 2015 on a two-year deal and featured 60 times scoring four goals for the Lancashire outfit.
Hope has also represented Nigeria at international level and has four caps.
The central-midfielder said after joining this afternoon: “I am buzzing to get it over the line, I knew about the club's interest a while ago.
"I'm looking forward to get going in pre-season and make sure I am ready for the start of the season.
"The fans can expect me to be energetic in midfield, I like to tackle and hopefully I can also score a few goals."
Brewers manager Nigel Clough said: “We’ve watched him for several seasons even when he was at Crawley and we was at Derby, he’s a good addition to the squad.
"He will give us something different in midfield, it says a lot about him to go from a Premier League academy to a League Two side shows something about his character. He’s played in all four divisions and gained a promotion with Crawley.
"I think last season it didn’t work out for him and he’s eager to get his career back on track.”
Hope becomes the Brewers sixth signing so far this summer and could take part in tonight’s pre-season friendly against Solihull Moors.