Glentoran Football Club have completed the signing of central midfielder Aaron McEneff from Shamrock Rovers for an undisclosed fee, subject to international clearance.

The 30-year-old has put pen to paper on a contract with the club after agreeing personal terms and successfully completing a medical.

McEneff arrives at The BetMcLean Oval, having made 308 senior appearances in all competitions, scoring 61 goals and providing 31 assists across two spells with Shamrock Rovers and stints with Derry City, Heart of Midlothian and Perth Glory.

A proven winner, the former Tottenham Hotspurs U21 player has lifted two League of Ireland Premier Division titles (2019/20, 2024/25) and two FAI Cups (2018/19, 2024/25) with Shamrock Rovers.

He also won the Scottish Championship (2020/21) with Heart of Midlothian and the League of Ireland Cup (2017) with Derry City.

A standout performer in the League of Ireland, McEneff has registered 182 League of Ireland Premier Division appearances, scoring 40 goals and recording 25 assists.

McEneff also brings proven European experience from spells with Shamrock Rovers and Derry City, with appearances across UEFA Europa League qualifying and the UEFA Conference League.

He featured in Rovers’ European campaign this season, making seven appearances across the UEFA Conference League and its qualifying rounds.

Speaking after completing his move to Glentoran, Aaron McEneff said: “Glentoran is one of the biggest clubs on the island of Ireland and the opportunity to come in and be part of what’s being built here really excites me.

“For me, it feels like the perfect fresh start. Once I spoke with Declan and Paddy and heard about the standards they expect every day and where they believe this club is going, it was something I couldn’t say no to.

“I’m a midfielder who plays with intensity. I want to set the tempo, work hard for the group and contribute at both ends of the pitch. I want to move the ball forward quickly, create chances, arrive in the box and add goals from midfield as well. I also want to press, cover ground, win duels and make sure we play on the front foot.

“The Irish Premiership is a league that’s going from strength to strength and it’s one I’m really looking forward to competing in. This team has huge potential, but it only matters if you deliver. I’ve come here to win, nothing else. I can’t wait to get in, meet everyone properly and get started.”

Declan Devine, Glentoran First Team Manager, said: “This is a statement signing for Glentoran. Aaron is one of the top midfielders on the island of Ireland and we’re absolutely delighted to bring him to The BetMcLean Oval. He’s a proven winner with real quality and his mentality and experience are exactly what we want in this squad.

“We’ve got very good players already in the middle of the park, who have all been excellent and adding Aaron increases competition and raises standards. He also complements the creativity we have in attacking midfield and gives us different ways to play.

“He’s a modern midfielder with intensity and personality. He can set the tempo, cover ground, press, win duels and get us playing on the front foot and he adds goals from midfield as well. We’re pleased to get the deal done. Aaron’s ambition matches ours and I’m confident he’ll make a big impact for us over the coming seasons.

“I want to place on record my thanks to Ali Pour for his continued backing and to Paul Millar for turning this deal around as quickly as possible. I’d also like to thank Stephen Bradley and everyone at Shamrock Rovers for their cooperation in pushing the move through.”

Aaron McEneff is the latest addition to arrive at The BetMcLean Oval as Declan Devine continues to strengthen his squad during the January transfer window.

McEneff follows the arrivals of Jarlath O’Rourke and Ross Clarke from Crusaders, as well as versatile attacking midfielder Jack Malone from Glenavon and former Dungannon Swifts forward Ben Gallagher.

There have also been a number of departures this month, with David Fisher, Jonny Russell and Shane McEleney leaving the club permanently, while Charlie Lindsay, Nathaniel Ferris, Callan Farley, Lorcan Donnelly and Jude Johnson have all moved out on loan.

Paul Millar, Glentoran Sporting Director, said: “Aaron is an outstanding addition for the club and we’re delighted to bring him to The BetMcLean Oval. He’s a midfielder who would improve any squad on the island of Ireland. He arrives with a winning pedigree, real quality and valuable experience and his record in terms of honours, goals and assists from midfield speaks for itself.

“We wanted to strengthen the spine of the squad and add depth and competition in central areas. Aaron gives us that and he also complements the creative options we have further forward. We believe he’ll make a real difference for us.

“I’d like to thank Aaron’s agent, Graham Barrett, for his support and for pushing the deal through and I’d also like to thank our owner, Ali Pour, for continuing to back Declan and I as we shape this squad for success this season and beyond.”