30-01-2024, 18:13
Wycombe Wanderers have signed Beryly Lubala following the expiry of his half-season deal with Burton Albion.
Lubala is Burton's top scorer this season with six goals in 26 games, the most recent in a 1-1 draw with Wycombe on 6 January.
He turned down a new contract offered by Burton, who he joined last summer after three years with Blackpool.
The 26-year-old will not be available for Wednesday's EFL Trophy quarter-final against Brighton Under-21s.
He could, however, make his debut in the League One game at Cheltenham Town on Saturday.
Lubala was not involved in Burton's 0-0 draw with Cambridge United on Saturday and boss Martin Paterson told BBC Radio Derby following the full-time whistle: "I had two meetings with the player and he expressed his wish not to play the game today.
"We offered him a 70% increase in his salary which would have took him into the highest bracket of our earners. The club has fought tooth and nail to try and get something in front of him that would be enticing.
"We know there will be clubs swarming around him, which they obviously are, and that's life. Where I'm really disappointed with him and his representation is that he thinks it's ok not to play a game for the club that you're contracted to."
Wycombe have not disclosed the length of Lubala's contract with them.
He is their fourth signing of the January window following Richard Kone, Gideon Kodua and Chem Campbell.
Lubala is Burton's top scorer this season with six goals in 26 games, the most recent in a 1-1 draw with Wycombe on 6 January.
He turned down a new contract offered by Burton, who he joined last summer after three years with Blackpool.
The 26-year-old will not be available for Wednesday's EFL Trophy quarter-final against Brighton Under-21s.
He could, however, make his debut in the League One game at Cheltenham Town on Saturday.
Lubala was not involved in Burton's 0-0 draw with Cambridge United on Saturday and boss Martin Paterson told BBC Radio Derby following the full-time whistle: "I had two meetings with the player and he expressed his wish not to play the game today.
"We offered him a 70% increase in his salary which would have took him into the highest bracket of our earners. The club has fought tooth and nail to try and get something in front of him that would be enticing.
"We know there will be clubs swarming around him, which they obviously are, and that's life. Where I'm really disappointed with him and his representation is that he thinks it's ok not to play a game for the club that you're contracted to."
Wycombe have not disclosed the length of Lubala's contract with them.
He is their fourth signing of the January window following Richard Kone, Gideon Kodua and Chem Campbell.
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