We are pleased to announce the signing of Olatunde Bayode on a short-term deal until the end of the 2024/25 season.
The creative attacker arrives at Inver Park on a free transfer from Gibraltar Football League side FC Bruno’s Magpies, having began his career at then English Premier League side Burnley under Sean Dyche.
Having progressed through the academy ranks at the Lancashire-based club, Bayode benefitted from a first introduction in to senior football whilst on a short-term loan at Vanarama National League North side Curzon Ashton.
Following a return the development squad at Burnley, the pacy winger then opted to make a permanent move into the senior game with non-league sides Bamber Bridge and Colne.
In 2023, Bayode sought to further build on his non-league experience with a move abroad, signing for Bruno’s Magpies. It was in Gibraltar where Bayode would play a key role in Nathan Rooney’s side which would lift The Rock Cup during the 2022/23 season, alongside a series of excellent performances in the UEFA Conference League against Crusaders and Derry City.
After featuring in both legs against Derry City, Bayode would go on to score against European giants FC Copenhagen in the next round of the competition in a series of performance which Nathan Rooney hails as a key reason for bringing the 25-year-old to Inver Park. He said:
“Tunde is a player who possesses a number of attributes which we feel can provide a different dynamic to our attack during the second half of this season.
“Tunde had a really good upbringing at Burnley, coming through the ranks with players Dwight McNeill and learning from Sean Dyche on the training pitch each day. As a player, he is very direct with rapid pace and an eye for creative flair which is something we have been keen to add during the January transfer window.
“He produced excellent performances against Crusaders and Derry City in Europe, which I believe will stand him in good stead and provide confidence coming into the NI Football League.
“Tunde also performed excellently when stepping up to the higher level against FC Copenhagen in the summer and his performances attracted strong interests from the Danish club and other high level European clubs at the time.
“We look forward to welcoming Tunde into the group, getting him accustomed to our environment at Larne and within our first team set-up for the big games we have coming up in the next few weeks and months.”
Expressing his excitement at playing in the Inver Reds, Bayode added:
“I’m buzzing to have signed for Larne and can’t wait to get started – I’m looking forward to meeting the fans and playing some games at Inver Park.
“It will be great to get going in a brand-new league and I think my experience in England, playing in a lot of high speed, intense games, will help me settle in to the NI Football League. Obviously, every time is different, but playing against Crusaders and Derry City in Europe as provided a taste for the style over here and some insight into football over here.
“I like to use my pace and get behind teams to cause problems and of course make an impact in games and score some goals. My aim will be to come in and help the team in whatever way I can in games, whatever The Gaffer needs from me I’ll be ready.
“The club has had a lot of success in the past number of years and we remain in two competitions which I want to play my part in replicating that success during the remainder of the season.”
Bayode will be eligible for selection ahead of Saturday’s trip to The Oval to face Glentoran in the Sports Direct Premiership.
