​Glentoran have strengthened their squad with the additions of Zeno Ibsen Rossi and Rhys Walsh on long-term contracts. Central defender Ibsen Rossi has joined from Cambridge United, while winger Rhys Walsh returns to the east Belfast club after a stint with Sunderland. Ibsen Rossi, 25, developed through the academies of Brentford, Southampton and Bournemouth before earning his first professional contract with Bournemouth in 2019. He made four Championship appearances for the Cherries in the 2021-22 season as Bournemouth secured promotion to the Premier League. The English defender also spent loan spells with Kilmarnock and Dundee prior to joining Cambridge United in 2022. After a brief loan spell with Shelbourne in the League of Ireland Premier Division earlier this year, Ibsen Rossi makes the move to the Oval. “I’ve reached a point in my career where I want to keep pushing myself and embrace new challenges,” he said. “I feel I’ve developed a lot over the last few years playing in England, Scotland and Ireland, and I’m excited to bring that experience here and do everything I can to help the team succeed.”
Rhys Walsh, aged 19, progressed through Glentoran’s academy before a move to Sunderland in 2024. On his return to east Belfast, the Northern Ireland Under-21 international remarked: “So much has changed since I was last here. The set-up is incredibly professional, and it’s evident how much the club has progressed over the past couple of years.” Walsh added that he has trained with the first-team squad throughout much of pre-season and has been impressed by the quality of players at the club. “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.”
Glentoran have also added midfielder Greg Sloggett this summer, bolstering their squad as they head into the new campaign. Debutants in the 2025-26 season, Declan Devine’s side finished second in the Irish Premiership and were runners-up in the Bet McLean Cup, losing to Linfield. The club now turn their attention to European competition, with a UEFA Conference League qualifier against Latvia’s RFS scheduled for Thursday evening at the Oval (kick-off 19:30 BST). This match marks Glentoran’s latest foray onto the European stage as they bid to extend their run in continental competition.