Christian Walton has joined Town on a season-long loan from Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion.
The goalkeeper is the Club’s 17th signing of the summer transfer window, having put pen to paper at Portman Road earlier today.
Christian, who was born in Wadebridge, Cornwall, began his career with Plymouth Argyle. He progressed through the youth ranks and was first named in a matchday squad three days after his 16th birthday, with Argyle hosting Stourbridge in the first round of the FA Cup. The match finished 3-3 with Christian an unused substitute.
In February 2014 he joined Brighton, then members of the Championship, and made his debut for the club in a League Cup fixture with Tottenham Hotspur in October later that year.
Loan spells at Bury Town, Plymouth, Luton, and Southend followed, before Christian linked up with Paul Cook at Wigan Athletic in July 2017.
In his first loan move, the shot-stopper made 35 appearances as Wigan won the League One title. He then rejoined the Latics in the summer of 2018 and again played his part as Paul’s side avoided relegation from the second tier.
The 2019/20 campaign saw Christian on loan at Blackburn. He featured in all 46 league games as former Town defender Tony Mowbray guided Rovers to an 11th-placed finish in the Championship.
Last season he stayed with parent club Brighton where he featured twice in the FA Cup, and on the international front he has represented England at U19, U20 and U21 level.
Now Christian is hoping to achieve regular first-team football at Portman Road and play his part in Town’s campaign.
“I’m really pleased to be here,” he told iFollow Ipswich.
“I’ve not met the lads yet but I’m looking forward to working with the group.
“The gaffer has put together a strong squad and I have good experience at this level so I’m hoping I can bring that to the challenge.”
“I know Christian very well,” Paul added.
“He’s a commanding goalkeeper, a great lad and he’s got experience at Championship and League One level. I’m absolutely delighted that we have acquired him.”
An exclusive interview with Christian will be available on iFollow Ipswich shortly.
