Glentoran Football Club are delighted to confirm the signing of Academy graduate Rhys Walsh on a long-term contract following the expiry of his contract with Sunderland AFC.

The 19-year-old winger returns to The BetMcLean Oval after spending the last two-and-a-half years developing within Sunderland’s Academy system, where he progressed to Under-21 level and gained valuable senior experience in the English game.

One of the most highly regarded graduates of the Glentoran Academy in recent years, Walsh progressed through the Club’s youth ranks before making his senior debut as a 17-year-old during the 2022/23 campaign.

The Belfast-born attacker made eight first-team appearances across domestic and European competition before earning a move to Sunderland in February 2024.

During his time at the Stadium of Light, Walsh established himself as a regular within Sunderland’s Under-21 squad and continued his international progression with Northern Ireland, representing his country at Under-17, Under-18, Under-19 and Under-21 level.

Comfortable on either wing, Walsh has also gained valuable senior experience during a loan spell with National League North side South Shields, making seven appearances and registering one assist.

Speaking after signing for Glentoran, Rhys Walsh said: “Coming back to Glentoran feels really special. This is the club where I grew up, where I developed as a player and where I made my first steps into senior football, so to be back means a huge amount to me and my family.

“I loved my time at Sunderland and I’m grateful for everything the club did for me. Training and playing in that environment every day helped me develop a lot and I feel I’ve come back a better player because of it.

“But now I’m back home and my focus is fully on Glentoran. I feel this is the right place for me to kick on and take the next step in my career.

“So much has changed since I was last here. The set-up is extremely professional and it’s clear how much the club has progressed over the last couple of years.

“I’ve trained with the squad for most of pre-season and it’s been brilliant. There are some top players here and the lads have been excellent with me from day one. It’s a great group and they’ve made settling back in really easy.

“The conversations I had with Declan and Paul were really positive. They showed a lot of belief in me and outlined a clear plan for how they want me to develop, which was important.

“Having someone like Paddy McCourt around the club is another massive bonus. He was an unbelievable player and someone who played in the positions I play, so being able to learn from him every day can only help me improve.

“I’m still only 19 and I know there’s a lot more to come from me. I want to work hard, keep improving and do everything I can to help the team be successful.

“I’m delighted to get everything sorted and I can’t wait to pull on the jersey again and play in front of the supporters.”

The 19-year-old becomes Glentoran’s third signing of the summer and the Club’s second arrival of the day, following the earlier announcement of defender Zeno Ibsen Rossi and the recent addition of midfielder Greg Sloggett, as Declan Devine continues to strengthen his squad ahead of the 2026/27 campaign and tonight’s UEFA Conference League First Qualifying Round tie against RFS.

Declan Devine, Glentoran First Team Manager, said: “Rhys is a player we’re delighted to bring back to the football club.

“The opportunity to spend time working with him throughout pre-season has shown us exactly why Sunderland invested in him and why he remains such an exciting young talent.

“The last two-and-a-half years have been excellent for his development. He’s worked in a top professional environment every day, challenged himself against high-quality opposition and returned to Glentoran a better and more rounded player because of it.

“He’s still only 19, but he already has valuable experience behind him and enormous potential ahead of him.

“From a football perspective, he brings qualities that supporters love to see. He has pace, bravery and creativity, he’s comfortable on either wing and he’s a player who wants to make things happen when he gets on the ball.

“Most importantly, he’s hungry. He wants to learn, he wants to improve and he wants to prove himself. We believe Glentoran is the ideal place for him to continue that development and we’re excited to see what he can achieve in a Glentoran shirt.”

Paul Millar, Glentoran Sporting Director, said: “Bringing Rhys back to Glentoran was something we were very keen to do from the moment it became clear he would be available.

“He is one of the most talented players to emerge from our Academy in recent years and somebody the club has continued to monitor closely throughout his time at Sunderland.

“At just 19 years of age, he already has experience of elite academy football, senior football and international football, which gives him a tremendous platform to build from. We firmly believe his best years are still ahead of him.

“Rhys represents exactly the type of player we want at Glentoran. He’s ambitious, hardworking, committed to improving and determined to maximise his potential. Just as importantly, he understands this football club and the expectations that come with representing Glentoran.

“His return is another excellent example of the pathway we are working hard to create. We want talented young players to see that Glentoran can help them develop, progress and achieve their ambitions, whether that’s breaking into our first team, earning opportunities across the water or returning here stronger and more experienced.

“We’re building a squad with the right blend of experience, quality and young talent and Rhys is another important piece of that process.

“We’re delighted to welcome Rhys back to The BetMcLean Oval and we’re looking forward to seeing him continue his development and make a significant contribution over the years ahead.”