Striker James Alabi has completed his transfer on a one month loan from Stoke City, following confirmation by the Football League this afternoon.
The teenage frontman has joined us on a short-term loan deal, and is eligible to figure for us until our match at Fleetwood Town on Saturday 23 November.
Alabi, who celebrates his 19th birthday next week, is a highly-rated prospect at the Britannia Stadium, who has shone in Stoke’s elite development squad.
James Alabi is speaking to Mark Stevenson. For the extended interview, visitStags Player.
Alabi, who also used to play for Celtic, netted seven times for the Potters last term at U21/U18 level, including a wonder-strike in an FA Youth Cup win at Brighton & Hove Albion.
A technical and composed striker with a keen eye for goal, the youngster also benefitted from a loan spell at Scunthorpe United in League One last season.
The teenager made an immediate impact for Brian Laws’ side, by netting on his senior debut against Hartlepool United, just 10 minutes after coming on as a substitute.
Having been linked with a loan move to numerous clubs in recent months, we have fought off stern competition to add the youngster to our ranks.
Delighted with his move to One Call Stadium, Alabi said: “I am really happy to be here. I live [to score] goals and all I want to do is score goals for the team.”
Manager Paul Cox said: “James will add quality [to our squad], as he’s a young professional at a Premier League club and he’s very similar to Matt Green in terms of what he does.
“He’s a good player, he’s scored a lot of goals at Under 21 and reserve team level, and I’m hoping he’ll do what we’ve been missing, which is to put the ball in the back of the net.”
Alabi has been allocated shirt number 28 and could make his debut tomorrow evening in our match at Southend United (7.45pm).
