Rochdale Football Club is (finally) delighted to announce the signing of Haydon Roberts.
The highly-rated defender joins Dale from Premier League side Brighton and Hove Albion on a season-long loan.
The 18-year-old’s paperwork went through minutes before the transfer window closed on Friday but both Clubs have been waiting on official clearance from the relevant authorities before we could make an announcement.
After joining the Seagulls in 2015, Roberts has worked his way up through his hometown Club’s Academy ranks.
Highly regarded at the Amex Stadium, the 18-year-old has featured for Brighton’s first team this season, playing in two of their Carabao Cup games, against Portsmouth and Preston North End, in round two and three, respectively, as well as being named on the bench for their fourth round tie against Manchester United.
He has been capped 20 times by England at U17 and U18 youth level.
“It was easy for me to come here and I’m happy to be here.
“I had interest from a few clubs in the league but Rochdale were the team who were the most interested in me.
“To be given the opportunity to come here and play with a manager who likes to play young players and trusts them suits me. That’s what I need to do improve.
“Where I am in my career, I need to get out and play games, so it was an appealing move for me. The style of play also suits me. Hopefully I can help the team do well this season.”
Haydon will wear squad number 15 during his time at the Crown Oil Arena. Welcome to the Club!