Cambridge United are pleased to announce the signing of Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu…
The 31-year-old midfielder arrives at the Cledara Abbey Stadium following the conclusion of his 11-year stay at Luton Town.
After coming through the youth system at Boreham Wood, Mpanzu signed for West Ham United as a teenager in 2011, penning a three-year professional deal.
During his final year with the Hammers, he made a short-term loan move to Luton Town, which would go on to shape the rest of his career to date, as the move was made permanent the following summer.
Mpanzu made history with the Hatters, becoming the first player to go from non-league to the Premier League with the same club, helping his team to four promotions across his much-vaunted stay at Kenilworth Road.
In total, he made 412 appearances for Luton Town, including 27 in the Premier League just two seasons ago. He now joins Cambridge United on a two-year deal.
“I am delighted to join the club," Mpanzu said. "Cambridge called me about two weeks ago and came down to see me, told me about the project they are trying to build here and I wanted to make sure it was the right move for my career.
"I am ready to get going. It's new to me - a different feeling, different people, different views and a different opportunity. I am glad I am here at Cambridge and I can't wait to play my football here."
Neil Harris added, “Pelly is a tremendous signing for our football club and he brings a wealth of experience. He is a serial promotion winner from his early days of starting in non-league football, all the way through to winning promotion to the Premier League.
"I have talked a lot about trying to bring successful players to the club, and Pelly obviously brings that in abundance. He's a combative midfielder, who has experience of every level, and he brings so many qualities to us - as a character and a personality, but also with his ability on the football pitch."
Mpanzu joins United as the club's seventh signing of the summer transfer window.
