JD Cymru Premier champions, The New Saints FC, are delighted to announce the signing of former Manchester United Academy and Preston North End defender, Matthew Olosunde, on a one-year deal.
Olosunde, 25, joined Manchester United back in 2016 and shortly began training with the first team before eventually travelling with the squad for Premier League fixtures against Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur.
After leaving the Red Devils, Olosunde enjoyed a successful spell with Rotherham United, where he helped the side secure promotion back into the EFL Championship, before joining Preston North End on a two-year deal. During this time the defender made over 70 senior first-team appearances in all competitions.
The Saints’ newest recruit also enjoyed success on the international stage earlier in his career, having been capped by the United States Men’s National Team in a fixture against Bolivia back in 2018.
Olosunde’s experience and defensive ability will be crucial over the coming months, as the club continues to fight for a club-record four trophies, whilst hoping to maintain their unbeaten run in all domestic competitions.
Should Craig Harrison’s side go on to win the JD Cymru Premier for a record 16th time, Olosunde’s ability will also give the squad a huge boost in their push to qualify for the group stages of next season’s UEFA Champions League.
Speaking on his delight at signing for the club, Olosunde said: “I’m delighted to have signed for The New Saints FC. It’s such an exciting time for the club and I’m really looking forward to helping us chase success during what could be a record-breaking season. The pull of European football and the opportunity to play at the highest level really excites me, the club has a winning mentality and I’m looking forward to contributing to that.
“It’s clear the quality of this squad is incredibly high and I can’t wait to get stuck into training. Craig and the rest of the boys have given me a really warm welcome and helped me settle in already, so now it’s time to focus on performing as best I can over the next few months and beyond.”
Sharing his thoughts on the club’s new signing, head coach Craig Harrison said: “I’m really pleased with the opportunity to add to what is already a very strong squad. We try to keep pushing competition for places and Matthew will be a great addition to help us do that.
“Having played lots of games in the English Championship, he’s got very good experience and arrives at Park Hall with a full international cap too. Matthew is an outstanding front-footed footballer, with great athleticism to get up and down the pitch, and possesses excellent pace for a defender.”
Also sharing his thoughts on the signing was club Chairman, Mike Harris, who said: “It’s great to have Matthew on board. He’s played football at the very highest of levels and understands what it takes to compete for silverware. To be able to bring someone of his stature to the JD Cymru Premier is a real statement of intent from the club and we’re really looking forward to seeing him perform.”
