Centre-back Dynel SimeuPlayer·Dynel Simeu has completed his move to The New Saints from Oldham Athletic, becoming the Welsh champions' fifth signing of the summer transfer window. The 24-year-old defender arrives at Park Hall with the opportunity to compete in UEFA Champions LeagueCompetition·Champions League qualifying after TNS secured the Cymru PremierCompetition·Cymru Premier title.
Simeu finished the previous campaign strongly at Oldham Athletic, scoring in each of their final two league fixtures as the club achieved a tenth-place finish in EFL League Two. His goal against Newport County capped a successful spell that ended when Oldham released their retained list following the season's conclusion.
The defender's journey through English football began in the academies of ChelseaTeam·Chelsea and SouthamptonTeam·Southampton, two of the country's most respected youth development systems. SouthamptonTeam·Southampton acquired Simeu from ChelseaTeam·Chelsea in 2021, with local reports suggesting the Hampshire club paid £1.5 million for his services. His professional career has since taken him across the English Football League, representing Carlisle UnitedTeam·Carlisle United, Tranmere Rovers, Morecambe, and most recently Oldham.
Simeu's international experience includes representing England at youth level alongside several players who have become Premier League regulars. His former teammates include ArsenalTeam·Arsenal's Noni MaduekePlayer·Noni Madueke, Aston VillaTeam·Aston Villa's Morgan RogersPlayer·Morgan Rogers, ChelseaTeam·Chelsea's Cole PalmerPlayer·Cole Palmer, Newcastle UnitedTeam·Newcastle United's Tino Livramento, and Manchester CityTeam·Manchester City goalkeeper James TraffordPlayer·James Trafford.
"I'm delighted to be joining The New Saints. The club has a fantastic reputation, both in Welsh football and on the European stage," Simeu said after completing his move.
"I'm hungry to play regular football, contribute to the squad, and help the team achieve its ambitions this season and beyond."
Head coach Craig Harrison identified defensive reinforcement as a priority during the summer window. Having monitored Simeu's progress at Oldham throughout the previous season, Harrison believes the defender possesses the attributes required to make an immediate impact.
"Strengthening our defensive options was a real priority this summer, and Dynel ticks every box. He's a big, powerful defender with great pace and athleticism, and he's very comfortable on the ball too," Harrison explained.
"I watched him closely at Oldham last season and was impressed – he has exactly the right blend of quality and experience, and at 24 he's at a great age to come in and make an impact."
The signing addresses TNS's need for defensive depth ahead of a demanding campaign that includes European competition. The club will discover their Champions LeagueCompetition·Champions League qualifying opponents when the draw takes place on June 16.
Simeu joins Rhys Hughes from Connah's Quay Nomads, returning striker Brad Young from Caernarfon TownTeam·Caernarfon Town, winger Jesurun Uchegbulam from Chelmsford City, and defender Zach Nolan following his spell with Ballymena United in TNS's summer recruitment drive.
The transfer activity reflects the club's ambition to compete effectively across domestic and European competitions, with Simeu's experience and physical attributes expected to strengthen their defensive unit for the challenges ahead.
Dynel Simeu challenges for a header during a match between Oldham Athletic and Fleetwood Town. NurPhoto/IMAGO
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