Striker joins on a three year deal.
Colchester United are delighted to confirm Freddie Sears as the U's second signing of the summer.
Livewire striker Freddie has joined the U's on a free transfer following his release by West Ham last week.
The 22-year-old enjoyed a productive loan spell with the League One side last season and returns to the Weston Homes Community Stadium as a full time U's player.
Freddie has signed a three year contract with the U's and will join up with the rest of the first team squad at pre-season training later this week.
Boss John Ward: "I think it's a great deal for the supporters particularly and the club in general.
"We are really pleased - he is a player we know and it is perhaps down to me that he didnt get as many games as he would have liked in his initial spell, but it is a changed situation for him this time.
"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.
"He wants to do it with us and that's a massive thing and as soon as he was released from West Ham, Freddie wanted to come here and I was wanting him to come.
"I think it says a lot about us - he sees the new training ground, he sees the senior group as a close knit one who want to work together.
"It is important for us to get the right people in terms of their characters as well as their abilities.
"Freddie knows he's welcome and popular here amongst the group here. He has got ambitions in his career and is young enough to push on in his career, and we can get the benefit."
Freddie's signature will be confirmed subject to paperwork clearance by the relevant authorities.