Notts County have confirmed the signing of defender Rosaire Longelo from Salford City. The 26-year-old has put pen to paper on a three-year contract at Meadow Lane.
Longelo arrives to bolster a squad sitting 10th in League One with six points from their opening four matches. Their record shows one win and three draws, with a goal difference of plus one after scoring six and conceding five. The Magpies are currently four points behind league leaders Huddersfield Town, whom they face next in a key early-season fixture.
Rosaire Longelo is an attack-minded wide defender who began his professional career at West Ham United. After leaving the Hammers, he gained valuable experience with spells at Accrington Stanley and Swindon Town before joining Salford City in January 2025. During his eighteen months with the Ammies, Longelo made 63 appearances, establishing himself as a regular. His time at Accrington Stanley provided him with prior League One experience, a factor highlighted by the club as important for the current campaign.
Director of football Richard Montague explained the club's thinking behind the move. "Rosaire is an attack-minded wide player with plenty of pace, trickery and dribbling ability," Montague said. He added, "He gives us real depth in the wing-back position and also brings prior League One experience from his time with Accrington." The pursuit was not a sudden decision; the club had been keen to secure Longelo's signature for a while, viewing his profile as a strong fit for their system. The undisclosed transfer concludes that pursuit.
Longelo's primary role will be to provide competition and cover in the wing-back areas. His arrival adds a different dimension with his direct running and one-on-one ability. This signing addresses a need for depth as Notts County handle a packed League One schedule. Fans can see how he integrates with the existing group by checking the updated squad list on the club's website. His experience at this level should allow him to adapt quickly to the demands of the division.
The transfer comes at a significant moment in the early season. Notts County's next match is a tough away trip to face Huddersfield Town on September 5th. A positive result against the table-toppers could provide a major boost. The club's current form reads DWDD, showing resilience but also a desire for more victories. Longelo will be eligible for selection immediately, potentially making his debut in that high-profile clash.
The three-year deal secures Longelo's services at Meadow Lane until the summer of 2029.
