Factfile: John Lufudu
John Lufudu has become South Shields’ first signing of the summer following his departure from Spennymoor Town.
After he was announced as a Mariner, we take a closer look at the 28-year-old right-back.
John Lufudu was born on October 5th, 1994 in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Although known primarily as an attack-minded right-back, Lufudu has shown real flexibility throughout his career
During his time at Sheffield FC, he often played as a striker or on the wing
Sheffield was his first club in senior football after he progressed through the local ranks, and he also played for AFC Emley and Tadcaster Albion in his younger days
A move to Ashton United followed for Lufudu in October 2019 and he established himself as a force in the Northern Premier League during his time at the club
He caught the eye in three matches against Shields in quick succession in the 2020-21 season, with his pace down the right flank causing persistent problems
After that campaign was halted at tier seven and below because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Lufudu linked up with National League North side Guiseley on a dual-registration basis
An impressive display against Spennymoor Town attracted the attention of then-Moors boss Tommy Miller – now assistant manager at South Shields – and he signed the full-back in May 2021
Lufudu rejoined Ashton on loan from Spennymoor in February 2022 after Miller had departed the Brewery Field. He had made 20 appearances for the club to that point
After returning to Spennymoor in the summer of 2022, Lufudu forced his way back into the reckoning
He went on to play 35 times in National League North last season, chipping in with three goals
Spennymoor narrowly missed out on the play-offs, with Lufudu’s performances earning him the Fans’ Player of the Year and the Supporters’ Club Player of the Year awards
Lufudu has now opted to take up a new challenge at South Shields after becoming the club’s first summer signing