Highly-rated Cambridge United midfielder Jevani Brown has joined League Two rivals Colchester United for an undisclosed fee.
The 24-year-old was approaching the final of his contract and has departed the club in a deal which is reported as having a sell-on clause inserted.
Brown joined the U’s from local non-league St Neots Town and impressed with a series of dominant displays last season. He bagged seven goals and chipped in with eight assists as they struggled to a bottom half finish last season.
Cambridge’s head of football Ben Strang admitted they hoped to hang on to the midfielder, but in the end, had to take an offer rather than let him walk away for nothing.
“Whilst our intention was to head in to the 2019/20 season with Jevani as part of the first team group we obviously recognised that Clubs might come in for him over the summer,” he said.
“After considering and then negotiating on offers made for him over recent days the club felt that this deal represented good value, particularly given the fact that Jevani could have left on a free transfer next summer.”
Brown is a former Jamaica Under-17 international who scored 14 goals in 95 appearances for the U’s across a two-year stay. He’ll be a like-for-like replacement for outgoing fan’s favourite Sammie Szmodics at Colchester.
Supporters from both side of the deal were surprised at the move but were unanimous in agreeing it was a wonderful capture for John McGreal’s side.
https://twitter.com/TheCUFCBlog/status/1146811692178972673
Great signing for Colchester.
— Fraser Franks (@Fraserfranks) July 4, 2019
At this rate I’m going to need a cut out and keep guide to who is who for the opening few games of the season #colu #havepeoplestoppedmoaningyet
— Pav (@Pav291) July 4, 2019
Very happy with this indeed Welcome to the Colchester Jevani!
— Anthony Clachan (@Clachan1GK) July 4, 2019
This lad was really lively against us at the end of March. Genuinely excited to see what he can bring to #ColU
Welcome @jevanibrown20— Matthew Blaylock (@Blayyers) July 4, 2019
He is class! Championship level
— Kevin Houston (@Hoousty) July 4, 2019
Cracking signing for u guys, another talented player we have let go no doubt on the cheap
— 𝔈𝔡𝔴𝔞𝔯𝔡 (@lockwood_wayne) July 4, 2019
That looks a proper replacement for Sammie, very well done 🙌
— Luke H. 🏴🇬🇧 (@Oiiimush) July 4, 2019
Oh that’s class
— Alex 🇭🇳 (@ColUtdAlex) July 4, 2019
