Cambridge United have announced the signing of former Huddersfield Town forward Elias Kachunga on a one-year deal, as reported on the club’s official site.
The 31-year-old left Bolton Wanderers after the completion of last season and is the sixth new arrival for Mark Bonner’s side this summer.
Born in Koln, Germany, Kachunga made his way into the professional game with the Borussia Mönchengladbach youth and second teams. He spent time on loan in 3.Liga with VfL Osnabrück and in 2.Bundesliga with Hertha Berlin and SC Paderborn 07.
Having helped SC Paderborn to promotion into the Bundesliga, Kachunga would sign permanently for the 2014/15 campaign. A move to fellow Bundesliga side FC Ingolstadt 04 followed a year later before his move to England.
Initially signing on loan, the former German youth international helped propel Huddersfield Town into the Premier League with 12 goals in 42 games. His impressive form saw him sign for The Terriers on a permanent deal.
He couldn’t replicate his form from the promotion season in the top flight and would only find the net on four occasions over the next three seasons. A season in the Championship with Sheffield Wednesday was followed by two in League One with Bolton Wanderers.
What’s Been Said?
Speaking to the official club website, Kachunga said, “I am really excited to be here. I had good talks with the gaffer, he explained what he wants to do moving forward with the Club and I was really interested in this project.”
“I just had the feeling it is the right place to be right now. I am feeling good, the season is almost here and I am just excited to get started and get back on the pitch.”
Manager Bonner was thrilled with his new addition, adding, “I am delighted to welcome Elias to the Club. He is a player of excellent pedigree who has played a lot of football at a higher level.”
“Last season he was part of a strong Bolton Wanderers team and played 50 games in all competitions. He will complement our existing options in the attacking area of the pitch and can play anywhere across the front line.”
“We have received nothing but positive character references in our work to sign Elias and once we get him up to speed, I have no doubt he will play a big role in helping us achieve our objectives this season.”
Writer’s View
Cambridge United are one of those sides believed to be in for a tough season, certainly amongst the team at The Real EFL. The club survived by the skin of their teeth last season and has lost 24 of the 41 goals they managed last season in the form of Sam Smith, Harvey Knibbs and Joe Ironside all leaving the club. Their new signings best senior goal return is the 12 he managed at Huddersfield but has only managed six league goals in the six seasons since.
Aside from having played at a higher level, this is perhaps not a signing I would be getting massively excited about should I be preparing to spend my Saturdays at the Abbey Stadium. However, for the player this move could be a good one as his minutes on the pitch were down last season so a chance to be a regular in the team will be welcomed by the one-cap DR Congo forward.
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