Glentoran Football Club can confirm that exciting young winger Jude Johnson has joined NIFL Championship side Annagh United on loan until the end of the 2025/26 season.

The 18-year-old Academy and Elite Scholarship Programme graduate makes the move to the BMG Arena in Portadown to continue his development in senior football, having made two substitute appearances for the Glens this season.

Johnson made his senior debut for Glentoran against Cliftonville in February 2025 and was included in several first-team matchday squads throughout last season.

He has been a regular performer for the Glentoran Seconds, where his pace, creativity and attacking intent have been consistent features of his game, helping the side to reach the top of the table.

Annagh United currently sit top of the NIFL Championship as they push for promotion this season and the club will provide Johnson with the opportunity to gain valuable minutes at senior level in a highly competitive environment.

Declan Devine, Glentoran First Team Manager, said: “This is a great opportunity for Jude to go out and gain experience in senior football at a good club like Annagh United. Jude is a talented young player with a lot of potential and this loan gives him the chance to demonstrate that ability in a demanding senior environment.

“Annagh are pushing for promotion this season, which will provide Jude with the opportunity to be involved in a competitive setting where there are real expectations week to week. There’s no doubt he has the quality to make an impact and he’s an exciting attacking player with the ball.

“This period is about adding other elements to his game, understanding the physical and tactical demands of Championship-level football and continuing his overall development. We’ll monitor his progress closely and look forward to welcoming him back having gained that experience.”

Johnson becomes the latest player to move out on loan during the January transfer window, with Charlie Lindsay and Nathaniel Ferris also joining Glenavon on loan until the end of the season, while Callan Farley has extended his loan spell with Warrenpoint Town until the end of the campaign.

Meanwhile, Declan Devine has continued to strengthen his squad ahead of the second half of the season, completing the signing of versatile attacking midfielder Jack Malone from Glenavon for an undisclosed fee, alongside the free-transfer arrival of 23-year-old former Dungannon Swifts forward Ben Gallagher.

The window has also seen Jonny Russell complete a permanent move to EFL League Two side Crawley Town for an undisclosed fee, alongside forward David Fisher, who has completed a permanent transfer to Vietnamese V.League side Hanoi FC, also for an undisclosed fee.