A young Laois man has swapped France for the bright lights of the Premier League as he has signed for AFC Bournemouth.
Ade Solanke, who is originally from Portarlington, shot to prominence late last year as he starred for the Republic of Ireland at the U-17 World Cup.
Playing from left back or left wing back, he provided a number of assists as Ireland reached the last 16 stage of the competition.
While the Solanke family now live in Newcastle in Dublin, Ade was brought up in Portarlington to Nigerian parents Busola and Michael.
He has six siblings, almost all of whom play football at some level.
Solanke attended primary school in St Patrick’s BNS Portarlington and his talent was evident from a very early age.
In 2016, he helped his school win the Offaly Primary Schools Futsal competition.
He scored two goals in the final as Portarlington defeated Mucklagh NS in the final – 6-4.
Solanke began his club soccer career at Arthur Griffith Park who are from Lucan in Dublin.
He then played for Monasterevin AFC and Newbridge Town before transferring to Shamrock Rovers.
Solanke spent several years there before moving to FC Lorient at the start of 2025 where he has featured for the reserves, who play in the French fourth tier.
FC Lorient are a feeder club of Bournemouth and it was speculated that Solanke would move there when he turned 18 in January.
Brexit rules prevent English clubs from signing players from European clubs before they turn 18 so this is how many are getting around this.
Speaking about the move on Bournemouth’s website, Solanke was understandably delighted.
He said: “I am over the moon. I feel it’s been a long time coming but I’m delighted to be here, and I can’t wait to get started.
“With AFC Bournemouth being a Premier League club, a move like this is something I’ve dreamt of.
“I am grateful and I thank God, I am really happy.”
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