Waterford FC has announced the signings of Gbemi Arubi and Joseph Forde for the upcoming League of Ireland Premier Division season.
The highly sought-after striker, Arubi, joins having spent the past four seasons with Shelbourne.
Arubi broke into the Shelbourne first team in last season’s Premier Division, making a number of substitute appearances.
The 19-year-old, who played for Cherry Orchard before joining Shelbourne’s academy from U15s to U19s, scored goals against Dundalk and Wexford in three games in the Leinster Senior Cup.
Arubi is also a Republic of Ireland underage international, making caps for the U19 side against Iceland in 2022.
Speaking on the signing, Gbemi Arubi was delighted to join the Blues:
“I’m very excited to be here and really excited to get going now. Pre-season has been good at the moment; getting in training with the lads and getting to know everybody. It’s been good and I’m very excited to play at the RSC this year. I’m a very explosive forward player. I can play off the wings and up top, but my favourite role is up top as a number nine.”
Speaking about the announcement, Head Coach Keith Long said:
“I’m delighted to welcome Gbemi to the club. He’s a really exciting young player, with lots of potential and room for development and growth. Gbemi isn’t the finished article yet but we’re looking forward to trying to help him continue his development, here at Waterford FC."
“He’s got massive potential and has already been involved around first-team football last season in the Premier Division at Shelbourne. We’re looking forward to working with him as we are with all the players as we enter the Premier Division this season.”
Versatile defender, Forde, with strong Irish family connections, joins the club from A-League side Perth Glory.
Forde, 20, starred for the Perth Glory Academy before making his first A-League appearance in March 2022, featuring on six occasions before adding 11 appearances in the 2022/23 season.
Joseph has also represented Australia seven times at U20 level.
Joseph said:
“I’m very excited to be here. It’s a new chapter for me in my football journey. I know a bit about the league. I’m Irish myself, and I have a mate in Australia – Aaron McEneff – I’ve been talking to him, and he’s been giving me the rundown of the league.
“I describe myself as an attacking full-back. I like to go forward, take players on, deliver crosses, and make things happen. I enjoyed meeting all the lads and they all made me feel welcome.
“It’s completely different from where I’ve been in Australia, so I’m very excited and ready to take it on.”
Head Coach Keith Long said:
“We’re delighted to welcome Joseph to the group, joining us from the A-League with Perth Glory.
“Joseph has played first-team football there; at a good standard and a good level. He’s very fit and athletic, and a very fast and powerful defender. He’s adaptable in terms of positions; he can play full-back, wing-back, left back so we’re looking forward to working with him.
“He’s 20 years of age, has played for the Australian Under-20s, has got Irish connections, and has ambitions to play at a high level in the game, so we’re hopeful he’ll make a big impact this season.”
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