Championship club Ipswich Town have completed the signing of Brighton & Hove Albion winger Jeremy Sarmiento on loan until the end of the season.
The 21-year-old spent the first half of the campaign on loan at West Bromwich Albion where he started just seven of his 20 appearances in the second tier, scoring two goals.
Sarmiento had his season-long loan deal with the Baggies cut short by Brighton on New Year's Day, and the Ecuador international will now spent the remainder of the season on loan at promotion hopefuls Ipswich.
"I'm very excited to be joining Ipswich at a time when they have been on a great run since winning promotion to the Championship," Sarmiento told the club's official website.
"Ipswich were always there, after interest in the summer which didn't quite work out, but I'm here now and I'm ready to do my best.
"The manager (Kieran McKenna) was really eager to get me involved and I have come here to get more minutes and show what I can do. He has given me the opportunity and I'm ready.
✨ Jugador. ✨#itfc pic.twitter.com/wKFZc34WFF
— Ipswich Town (@IpswichTown) January 3, 2024
"He made it clear to me that I'll have a role at the club and the style of play should suit me.
"I don't know any of the lads but over the next few days I'm sure they'll make me feel at home. I can't wait to meet them.
"I'm a direct player and I like to get the fans on their feet. I want to contribute goals and assists and the main objective is what everyone wants – to get promoted. I'm ready to give it my best."
Speaking to Brighton's official website about Sarmiento, technical director David Weir said: "This is a good move for Jeremy in terms of his development. We wish him every success at Ipswich and we're looking forward to following his progress in the second half of the season."
Sarmiento, who will wear the No.21 shirt, joins an Ipswich side who currently sit second in the Championship table, 16 points clear of seventh-placed Hull City sitting just outside the playoffs, and 11 points adrift of leaders Leicester City.
The winger could be in contention to make his debut for the Tractor Boys when they take on League Two outfit AFC Wimbledon in the FA Cup third round on Saturday.
Oliver Thomas
