Delighted Chris Powell says patience paid off in bringing Jordy Hiwula from Manchester City to Huddersfield Town.
After a week of speculation, the John Smith’s Stadium club have signed the 20-year-old England junior international on a three-year contract – and could field him in tomorrow morning’s Spanish friendly against Leyton Orient.
Town, who sources suggest have paid an initial £150,000 in a deal which includes add-ons and a sell-on clause, have the option of adding a further year to Hiwula’s contract.
The move means a reunion with Town’s first team coach Steve Eyre, who worked with him for five years in City’s extensive youth system.
And Hiwula, who impressed on loan to Walsall last season, will join fellow former City players Tommy Smith, Harry Bunn and Ishmael Miller at Town.
In pictures: Huddersfield Town's new signing Jordy Hiwula
Goal poacher Hiwula is set to complete with Nahki Wells, James Vaughan and Miller for a frontline berth.
It’s Powell fourth summer signing after Australian international left-back Jason Davidson and midfielders Dean Whitehead and Kyle Dempsey.
And the boss explained: “A lot of hard work has gone in behind the scenes to get this deal done, throughout which the people at Manchester City have been excellent to deal with.
“Jordy has been at Manchester City for most of his life and making the decision to move on for the first time in his professional career is a huge one.
“Players in this situation want to ensure they make the right decision, which is something we fully understand.
EXTRA: 'Pacy, powerful and instinctive' - the view on Hiwula from a Manchester City journalist
“There is a lot to consider and it’s important the player is comfortable with the decision to move, so we’re always willing to be patient.
“It’s clear from my discussions with Jordy that he is a driven young man with an ambition to be a success.
“We know he has a lot of ability and potential as well and this club will give him the platform and opportunity to develop and improve.
“He can see that from the similar path that two of his new teammates have taken in Tommy Smith and Harry Bunn.
“The track record of this club is clear to see and that helps us attract players here. Few other clubs have that.
EXTRA: Why Hiwula was nicknamed the 'deckchair' at Manchester City
“Our scouting staff have watched Jordy’s development closely over a long time, and he has previously worked with our first-team coach Steve Eyre and head of sports science Al Stewart at Manchester City.
“Having different attacking options and a big goalscoring threat is vital to any team that aims to be successful in the Championship.”
