Cymru Premier: Ex-York City star makes u-turn as Trinidad & Tobago international joins Barry Town

The Cymru Premier transfer window is beginning to gather pace as clubs across Wales put the final pieces in place ahead of the new season.

With promotion battles, squad rebuilds and top-flight challenges on the horizon, teams are wasting no time in adding experience, fresh talent and proven Cymru Premier quality to their ranks.

Several clubs have already made significant moves, with Flint Town United, Barry Town United, Briton Ferry Llansawel and Airbus UK Broughton among those strengthening their squads. Meanwhile, one of the league’s most decorated and consistent performers has brought an end to his playing career.

Here are the latest confirmed moves and updates from around the Cymru Premier.

Flint Town United Add Lassana Mendes

Flint Town United have strengthened their midfield options with the signing of experienced midfielder Lassana Mendes.

The former Bala Town and Hereford player arrives at the Essity Stadium with proven Cymru Premier pedigree, bringing creativity, energy and valuable top-flight experience to the Silkmen squad.

Mendes is a familiar figure to Welsh football supporters after previous spells in the Cymru Leagues, but he will also be looking to make a positive impact after proving to be a regular threat against Flint last season.

The midfielder scored twice against the Silkmen during the previous campaign, finding the net in both the home and away league meetings.

Cymru Premier Great Jason Oswell Announces Retirement

One of the Cymru Premier’s most respected forwards, Jason Oswell, has announced his retirement from football at the age of 33.

The striker brings the curtain down on a 15-year playing career after finishing his time on the pitch with Connah’s Quay Nomads.

Oswell enjoyed an impressive final campaign, registering two goals and 20 assists in 20 appearances, with his last competitive outing coming against Colwyn Bay on the final day of the season.

The forward also enjoyed spells with Stockport County and Wrexham, but his greatest impact came in Welsh football.

After representing Rhyl and Airbus UK Broughton, Oswell became a standout figure during a lengthy spell with Newtown, where he recorded 73 goals and 10 assists in 166 appearances.

His Cymru Premier career ended with an outstanding record of 70 goals and 10 assists in 180 top-flight matches, securing his status as one of the league’s leading players of his generation.

Airbus UK Broughton Bring Back Evan Smith

Airbus UK Broughton have continued their preparations for their return to the Cymru Premier with the signing of defender Evan Smith.

The Wingmakers are preparing for their first season back in the Welsh top flight since 2023 and have recruited a player with recent experience at this level.

Smith joined Bala Town last summer, making three appearances for the Lakesiders before later moving to Flint Town United, where he featured twice — once in the Welsh Cup and once in the league.

The defender now returns to Airbus, having previously been part of the club’s development and reserve squads.

Barry Town United Sign Owen Brain

Barry Town United have strengthened their squad ahead of the new season with the signing of midfielder Owen Brain.

The midfielder arrives at Jenner Park with experience from English non-league football, having represented Bristol Manor Farm, Taunton Town and Merthyr Town.

Known for his creativity and ability to operate in midfield and attacking positions, Brain adds another attacking option to Barry’s squad as they prepare for the new campaign.

Briton Ferry Add Jacob Jones

Briton Ferry Llansawel have continued their summer recruitment with the signing of former Penybont defender Jacob Jones.

Jones arrives with a strong background in both Welsh and English football, having come through Swansea City’s academy before featuring for Woking, Bath City, Forest Green Rovers and Penybont.

The defender becomes Briton Ferry’s fifth signing of the summer, following the arrivals of Luke Bowen, Matt Chubb, Joe Lloyd and Tristan Jenkins.

The club are continuing to build their squad ahead of another Cymru Premier campaign.

Holywell Town Secure Experienced Striker Jamie Reed

Holywell Town have added experienced striker Jamie Reed to their squad ahead of the 2026/27 season, with the forward making a return to football after previously announcing his retirement.

The 38-year-old had appeared to bring the curtain down on his playing career in unforgettable fashion last season, producing a remarkable 19-goal campaign for Bangor City and playing a key role in the club’s success.

Reed’s goals helped Bangor secure the Ardal North West title and lift the Dragon Signs Amateur Trophy, providing what looked to be a fitting finale to a long and eventful career.

However, the striker has now made a U-turn on his decision and will continue playing, adding further experience and firepower to Holywell Town’s squad.

Reed’s return to the top flight comes after an emotional final chapter with Bangor. Twelve months earlier, he was the player who scored the goal that confirmed the club’s relegation from the Cymru North — a moment that could have shaped the final years of his career in a very different way.

Determined to leave on a positive note, Reed returned to Nantporth and delivered a memorable response, scoring 19 goals as Bangor bounced back in style. His final contribution appeared to come under the lights against Penmaenmawr Phoenix, where his goal sealed a 2-0 victory and brought the curtain down on a remarkable campaign.

Now, rather than stepping away from the game, Reed will bring his wealth of experience to Holywell as they continue to build for the new season.

Barry Complete Fifth Summer Signing With James Lester Arrival

Barry Town United have continued their busy summer transfer activity with the signing of defender James Lester.

The 19-year-old joins from Llanelli Town, where he made 26 Cymru Premier appearances last season following the club’s promotion as 2024/25 Cymru South champions.

Despite Llanelli’s relegation from the top flight, Lester enjoyed a consistent campaign and gained valuable experience against Cymru Premier opposition.

A former Cardiff City academy player, Lester also brings international pedigree after earning a senior cap for Trinidad and Tobago in March.

With several additions already confirmed, Barry continue to assemble a competitive squad ahead of the new Cymru Premier season.