Teenage central defender Raphael Araoye has joined Yeovil Town on a youth loan from Bristol City until January 2025, the club has confirmed.
The 19-year-old, who stands 6’3″ tall, spent three months on loan in National League South with Weston-super-Mare and played the full 90 minutes at Huish Park in February, a match sealed by a late goal from his new defensive colleague Morgan Williams.
He is able to play in central defender, left-back or left wing-back and will provide options for Glovers’ boss Mark Cooper on the left side of defence, where Alex Whittle is his only current option.
Trialists Jacob Roddy and Brandon Haunstrup have both auditioned for a role in that position during pre-season, but they have both found opportunities elsewhere in recent days.
Araoye has been at Ashton Gate since the age of ten and progressed through the club’s youth system, signing a three-year deal with the Robins in August 2022. He joined Weston in January and stayed in north Somerset until mid-April when he returned to his parent club having made 15 appearances.
Welcome to Huish Park, Raf!
Today’s match will be the last of Raphael Araoye’s loan spell from Bristol City.
What a player he’s been for us 🤩 – All the best Raph 🤝#WsMAFC ⚪️⚫️ pic.twitter.com/QUH3DV5aKx
— Weston-super-Mare AFC (@WSM_AFCOfficial) April 13, 2024