BURTON Albion are delighted to confirm the permanent signing of striker Gassan Ahadme from Premier League side Norwich City.
The 21-year-old, who was born in Spain but has represented Morocco at youth international level, spent the first half of the season on loan at Albion's Sky Bet League One rivals Portsmouth.
Ahadme joined the Canaries from amateur side Gimnastic de Manresa, who played in the top level of Spanish youth football, with the Canaries seeing off competition from a host of other European clubs.
Playing regularly for Norwich's under-23 side, Ahadme scored seven times in Premier League 2 and spent time on loan at Oviedo B.
Ahadme subsequently joined Pompey on loan in the summer, catching the eye by scoring eight times in four pre-season friendlies, going on to make 10 appearances in all competitions at Fratton Park and scoring his first senior goal in a 3-0 Papa John's Trophy win over Crystal Palace U21s.
Now Ahadme has joined the Brewers on a permanent basis.
On signing for the Brewers, manager Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, said: “He fits the profile of what we’re looking for in a forward - he’s mobile and has potential.
“We think we can develop him and make him a better player. We like that plays with energy and can get around the pitch for a big forward.
“We have high hopes for him and was impressed when he first saw him when he played against us in pre-season - we are happy that he’s now one of our players.”
During his first interview, Ahadme told iFollow Brewers that he’s excited to get going at the Pirelli Stadium.
“I’ve had a tough time lately and I really see this as a great opportunity for me to show what I’m capable of and I’m really looking forward to it," said Ahadme.
“The manager told me it is a good platform for me to show what I can do and to obviously work for him is really exciting as well.
“For a tall striker I believe in my footwork. I also like to link up play and combine with other teammates, so hopefully I can get off to a great start and feel ready to go.”
Ahadme will wear the number 9 shirt formerly worn by departed striker Kane Hemmings.
Welcome to Burton Albion, Gassan!