Galway United confirm two new signings while Gleeson departs
Tribesmen add a goalkeeper and midfielder to squad, subject to international clearance
Galway United manager John Caulfield has bolstered his squad for the remainder of the League of Ireland Premier Division season with the addition of both a new goalkeeper and a new midfielder, providing they receive international clearance as they are non-EU players.
Scottish goalkeeper Vincent Angelini and the Welsh midfielder, Mitchell Bates, had been in talks with the club this week, with this morning's print edition of the Galway City Tribune confirming the club was in contract discussions with two players.
Due to the need for clearance, the duo may not be available for Sunday's trip to Bohemians, but the club is confident both will be available for the following week's game at home to Drogheda United, which will mark United's return to Eamonn Deacy Park after a four-game spell at Pearse Stadium.
The summer transfer window closed on Tuesday, btu as both players were out-of-contract professionals, they were eligible to be signed by a club.
Angelini began his career in the Celtic Academy before spells with Watford and Brentford in England. He went on to sign for Saudi Pro League side Al-Riyadh in 2024 before moving to Norwegian club Jerv.
He joins the club after the departure of former United and current Galway Gaelic football number one, Connor Gleeson, who stepped in to provide goalkeeper cover after Evan Watts was recalled from his loan spell by Swansea City at the start of July.
Arthur Parker was also recalled by Swansea at the same time, but United's links with the Swans continues as Bates is a former captain of the English championship club's U-21 side; while he has experience at senior level through loan spells in the Cymru Premier.
"We're delighted with the new signings," Caulfield is quoted as saying in United's statement about the two new signings.
"Vincent has loads of experience from around the world after starting his career with Celtic. After losing Evan several weeks ago, we were looking to add to our goalkeeping department so we're delighted to get Vincent across the line. He'll be involved on Sunday.
"We've been following Mitchell for a long time through our Swansea connections. He's been playing in the Welsh league which has been great for him. He's been training all week and offers a great boost to the midfield after the retirement of Conor McCormack and the injury to Axel Piesold," he said.