West Ham United academy graduate Freddie Sears has signed a three-year contract with Colchester after a loan spell at the League One outfit.
Despite making his Premier League debut almost four years ago, Sears was unable to establish a place in the Hammers team.
"He is young enough to push on in his career, and we can get the benefit," manager John Ward told the club's website.
"We are delighted to have Freddie on board and I think that three years is a commitment from him to us and what we are trying to achieve here.
"As soon as he was released from West Ham, Freddie wanted to come here and I was wanting him to come."
Sears scored twice during his loan spell last season.
