Glentoran Football Club are delighted to confirm the signing of 20-year-old winger Lekan Sule from Rosario.

The Nigerian-born attacker returns to The BetMcLean Oval having previously spent two years within the Glentoran Academy between 2019 and 2021.

Sule has since continued his development within the local game, spending time with Harland & Wolff Welders and Bangor Amateurs before joining former Glens marksman Chris Morgan’s Rosario side.

He now returns to Glentoran with the opportunity to take the next major step in his career within the Club’s full-time professional environment.

Operating predominantly from the left, Sule is also capable of playing across the frontline and brings pace, directness and a willingness to take on defenders.

The young winger came to the attention of the Glentoran management team after impressing against the Glens during pre-season for Rosario.

He has since spent time training with the squad and will continue his development under Declan Devine and his coaching staff.

As part of the agreement between the clubs, Glentoran have also committed to playing a pre-season fixture against Rosario next summer.

Speaking after completing his move, Lekan Sule said: “Signing for Glentoran is a huge opportunity for me and one I simply couldn’t turn down. I spent time at the Club when I was younger, so to come back now with the chance to become a professional footballer is a very proud moment.

“Although I was only at Rosario for a short time, Chris Morgan showed a lot of belief in me. He gave me confidence, encouraged me to express myself on the pitch and was very supportive when the opportunity to join Glentoran came along.

“I really enjoyed playing against Glentoran during pre-season. It gave me the chance to test myself against full-time players and experience the standards required at this level, so finding out afterwards that I had impressed the management team was a brilliant feeling

“My conversations with Declan and Paddy have been really positive. They have been honest with me about where I am in my development and the work I still have to do, but they have also shown a lot of belief in my potential.

“I understand this is a significant step up and that I still have so much to learn. I’m ready to work hard, listen to the coaches and learn from the experienced players around me every day.

“I’m determined to make the most of this opportunity, continue improving and show that I deserve to represent Glentoran.”

Declan Devine, Glentoran First Team Manager, said: “Lekan came on to our radar when he played against us for Rosario during pre-season. He was one of the standout performers on the day and immediately caught our attention.

“He was excellent that day. He showed genuine pace and directness, played with courage and was always prepared to take players on and make things happen.

“We’ve since had Lekan in training with us and we’ve really liked what we’ve seen. He is still raw and we understand that this is a considerable step up from the level he has been playing at, but he has a lot of natural ability and significant potential.

“He is at his most comfortable coming from the left, but he has the athleticism and attacking instincts to operate across the frontline. He wants to get forward, commit defenders and affect the game in attacking areas.

“Lekan will now have the opportunity to train full-time, work closely with our coaching staff and learn from the experienced players around him every day.

“There will be no unnecessary pressure placed on him. He will be given the time and support he needs to adapt to the demands of a professional environment, continue developing his game and show what he can do.

“We’re excited to work with Lekan and see how he progresses over the coming months. If he applies himself properly and continues showing the attitude we’ve seen so far, we believe he has the potential to make a real impression at Glentoran.”

The 19-year-old becomes Glentoran’s fourth signing of the summer, following the arrivals of defender Zeno Ibsen Rossi, midfielder Greg Sloggett and winger Rhys Walsh, as Declan Devine continues to strengthen his squad during the opening weeks of the 2026/27 campaign.

Paul Millar, Glentoran Sporting Director, said: “Lekan came highly recommended by Chris Morgan, who spoke very positively about his ability, character and potential.

“Chris was naturally disappointed to lose him, but he recognised what the opportunity to become a professional footballer could mean for Lekan and made it clear that neither he nor Rosario wanted to stand in the way of his progression.

“Lekan already has a connection with Glentoran from the two years he spent in our Academy and has taken a different route back to the Club. We have now seen his qualities for ourselves, both when he played against us during pre-season and since he came into training.

“He remains at an early stage of his development, but he has exciting natural ability and is eager to learn. Moving into a full-time environment will allow him to work on his game every day and show what he can do.

“We greatly appreciate the professional way Chris and everyone at Rosario have handled the move. Lekan has earned this opportunity and we hope he settles in quickly, continues working hard and goes on to make a name for himself at Glentoran.”