Ashley Baker is heading home to Wales to join Newport County from Sheffield Wednesday.
The 23-year-old former Wales U21 defender is dropping down two divisions to get regular football after signing a deal that will keep him at Rodney Parade until at least the end of the 2021 season.
“I enjoyed my time at Sheffield Wednesday, but it was time for me to move on. As soon as I found out there was interest, it was a no-brainer for me to come back home to Wales and accept this great opportunity,” said Baker.
Born in Bridgend, he launched his career at Cardiff City before joining Wednesday in January, 2017.
He made his full debut in the Owls’ 5-1 win over Norwich on the final day of the 2017/18 campaign.
County manager Mike Flynn said: “Ash is a very important signing. With us losing Danny McNamara back to Millwall, and Dan Leadbitter not quite back from injury, as soon as we had the chance of getting Ash in we jumped at it.
“He played 11 games for Sheffield Wednesday in the Championship last season, he’s a good age and he is local to the area, which ticks a lot of boxes.
“He is somebody who will not only strengthen us, but he looked comfortable playing in the Championship last season so this is a very important signing.”
