FREDDIE LADAPO has become the latest Non-League player to make it to the Premier League after earning a dream move to Crystal Palace.
The 23-year-old striker joined Margate in January 2015 from National League side Kidderminster Harriers and notched ten league goals this term in the Blues’ first season in the National League South.
His performances earned rave reviews and a number of Football League clubs were linked with him but the Premier League Eagles have swooped in.
He has signed a two-and-a-half year deal at Selhurst Park for an undisclosed fee and departs Margate just a week after benefactor Bob Laslett stepped down as chairman.
He started his career at Colchester United but, after failing to make the grade, spent time on loan at a number of Non-League clubs including Thurrock, Chelmsford City, Bishop’s Stortford, Woking and Nuneaton Town.
A permanent move to Kidderminster Harriers followed in January 2014 and he made his debut in the club’s FA Cup fourth round defeat at Sunderland.
Ladapo, however, failed to make an impact at Aggborough and had spells on loan at Hayes & Yeading and Grays Athletic before signing for the Gate last January.
A Margate statement said: “Margate Football Club can confirm this evening that striker Freddie Ladapo has left the club to join Premier League side Crystal Palace on a two-and-a-half year deal for an undisclosed fee.
“Freddie’s most accomplished display while in a Gate shirt was undoubtedly this season as he shone in Margate’s 2-1 away win at Ebbsfleet United where Ladapo received high praise for his hold up play and overall performance.
“Everyone at Margate Football Club would like to thank Freddie for his contribution to Margate over the past 14 months and wish him the very best for future endeavours.”
