Francely Lomboto is Sligo Rovers manager John Russell’s first new signing ahead of the 2025 League of Ireland season, the club can confirm.
The 24-year-old winger joins from Galway United having spent the last four seasons with the Tribesmen’s first team and has signed a one year deal at the Showgrounds. Lomoboto has agreed a pre-contract and will officially join the club on December 1st.
Lomboto, who can also play as a striker, arrived at Eamonn Deacy Park having joined the club from local junior side Galway Hibernians. He starred at both under 17 and under 19 levels before making his first team debut against Cabinteely in July 2020. In all, Lomboto played 93 times for Galway, scoring 13 times.
Speaking about the move, Rovers’ latest acquisition mentions how conversations between himself and Russell left him with little doubt as to where his future lay. While the promising attacker also spoke of his pride of playing with a club whose links are so deeply set within the local community.
“The connection with the supporters and the style of play were the two biggest attractions. John was very honest in our conversations, which I admire”, he says.
“He told me exactly where I can improve and improve whilst also complimenting my strengths. He understands what it’s like to be a player and play for Rovers so he could relate with me.
“Rovers are one of those clubs which is all about the fans. It’s fan owned so there’s a strong community connection. You can see that support goes further than just match night. The locals live and breathe the football club and there’s a lot of history here. The sense of pride and tradition really stands out and I cannot wait to represent that.
“I’ve been wanting a new challenge and after talking with John, it just felt right. He’s got a real vision for the club and you can sense the ambition. I’m excited as I feel I’ll be part of something special for 2025.
“I feel like in 2024 at Galway, I only showed glimpses of what I can do. I know I can accomplish something great at the Showgrounds.”
Lomboto joins up with former Galway team mate Wilson Waweru and Russell is hoping that Lomboto can have the same impact top-scorer Waweru had in his first season at the club.
“We are delighted that Francely has agreed to join us”, Russell says.
“He is a player with a lot of pace and power and we feel he can really improve his game and he will become a very important player for us. I know from our conversations that Francely is very motivated and is ready for a new challenge here at Rovers.
“We are really looking forward to working with him.”
Lomboto is the eleventh player to commit to the Showgrounds for 2025. He joins Ollie Denham, Connor Malley, Wilson Waweru, Conor Reynolds, Gareth McElroy, Daire Patton, Kyle McDonagh, Stephen Mallon, Owen Elding and Kailin Barlow as part of next year’s first team squad.
David Goulden