We are delighted to announce the signing of Levi Ives.
The 25-year-old arrives from Cliftonville for an undisclosed fee as boss Tiernan Lynch further bolsters squad for this summer’s European campaign, as well as the upcoming defence of the club’s Premiership crown.
After impressing at the Northern Ireland Milk Cup as youngster, Ives was snapped up by Torquay United and went on to make 20 appearances at Plainmoor.
He returned home to the Irish League and signed for Cliftonville in 2015 going on to make more than 200 appearances for the Solitude club.
During his time in North Belfast, Levi helped the club to two League Cup victories, became vice captain and came within a whisker of the Premiership title in the 2021/22 campaign.
Levi is not eligible for Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League second leg tie against HJK Helsinki. However, subject to the relevant clearances, he would be available for the second round of whichever European competition the Invermen go on to compete in.
Manager Tiernan Lynch said: “We are delighted to bring a player of Levi’s calibre to the club.
“He has rightfully earned a reputation for being one of – if not the – best players in his position in the country.
“He is tenacious, technically excellent and has a hunger to keep improving his game in a full-time environment.
“We have said all along players wouldn’t be coming to Larne for the sake of it, we only strive to bring a player in if they have the potential to challenge the players we have and make us better.
“Levi very much falls into that category and it is a real coup that he was just as keen to come here as we were to bring him in.”
Levi also spoke of his delight at joining the club and sampling full-time football as he settles into the club.
“I met Tiernan five years ago and he told me what the club were going to do and they’ve done it all, so I’m really looking forward to see what the future holds,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to the full-time aspect of the move. Being in every day, the work you do off the field and on the field and helping you to stay injury free.
“I’ve played at Inver Park a few times now and it’s always been impressive with the experience the club sets up with the lights and how the fans play a big part, so I’m looking forward to that too.”
Levi has been handed the number 14 shirt at the club.
