The New Saints: Former £1.5m Chelsea and Southampton man transfers to Welsh champions
Craig Harrison admitted he watched New Saints' newest signing whilst he was at Oldham Athletic. (Pic by Sam Eaden/FAW)
The New Saints have strengthened their defensive options ahead of the new season with the signing of highly-rated centre-back Dynel Simeu.
The 24-year-old arrives at Park Hall following a successful spell with Oldham Athletic, where he played a role in helping the club secure a tenth-place finish in EFL League Two. He scored in each of Oldham’s final two league fixtures, including a goal against Newport County.
Oldham published their retained list shortly after the season concluded, and he was free to leave. A month on, he has a new home, Park Hall in Oswestry. Simeu will get the chance to play in the UEFA Champions League after TNS’ Cymru Premier win put them into the qualifiers. They will find out their opponents when the draw takes place on June 16.
Having built his reputation across the English Football League and progressed through the academies of Chelsea and Southampton, Simeu arrives at Park Hall eager to make an immediate impact. The defender believes The New Saints’ domestic success and growing European profile made the move an attractive opportunity as he looks to take the next step in his career.
After completing the move, Simeu spoke of his excitement about joining the Saints and his determination to contribute to the club’s ambitions: “I’m delighted to be joining The New Saints. The club has a fantastic reputation, both in Welsh football and on the European stage.
“I’m hungry to play regular football, contribute to the squad, and help the team achieve its ambitions this season and beyond.”
Dynel Simeu’s career, including his beginnings at Chelsea and Southampton
Simeu brings valuable experience from across the English Football League, having represented clubs including Carlisle United, Tranmere Rovers, Morecambe, and, most recently, Oldham.
A commanding and athletic defender, he began his development in the academies of Chelsea and Southampton, two of England’s most respected youth systems. His footballing education has provided a strong foundation, helping him establish himself as a reliable centre-back with significant potential.
Saints snapped up Simeu from Chelsea in 2021, with local reports suggesting that the Hampshire club paid £1.5m for his services.
On the international stage, Simeu represented England at the youth level, earning experience alongside several players who have since become established stars in the Premier League and on the international scene.
His former England youth teammates include Arsenal winger Noni Madueke, Aston Villa forward Morgan Rogers, Chelsea playmaker Cole Palmer, Newcastle United defender Tino Livramento and Manchester City’s FA Cup-winning goalkeeper James Trafford.
Simeu’s arrival addresses a key area of focus for The New Saints during the summer transfer window, with the club keen to add further strength and competition to its defensive unit ahead of a demanding domestic and European campaign.
TNS’ verdict on Oldham Athletic defender
Having monitored the defender’s progress closely during his time at Oldham, head coach Craig Harrison believes the former England youth international possesses all the attributes required to make a significant impact at Park Hall.
Speaking about the club’s latest addition, Harrison said: “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.
“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.
“He’s only been in training for a week or so, but he’s already settled in brilliantly with the lads. We’re really looking forward to him adding his quality to our backline.”
New Saints transfer business
Simeu becomes The New Saints’ fifth signing of the summer as preparations for the new season continue to gather pace.
The club’s recruitment drive began with the arrival of Rhys Hughes from Connah’s Quay Nomads, before striker Brad Young returned to Park Hall from Caernarfon Town for an undisclosed fee.
It has been a particularly busy week in the transfer market, with winger Jesurun Uchegbulam joining from Chelmsford City and defender Zach Nolan arriving following his spell with Ballymena United.
There have also been several departures. Sion Bradley and Zack Clarke have both completed permanent moves to Caernarfon Town after spending last season on loan with the Canaries, where they helped the club lift the Welsh Cup. Meanwhile, Ken Charles returned to Maidstone United at the end of May.
