Sam Oguntayo makes Eastbourne return with deal running to 2027

Ireland-Nigeria left-back Sam Oguntayo has joined Eastbourne from AFC Greenwich on a free transfer, returning to the club where he previously played on loan. The 23-year-old has agreed a contract with Eastbourne until 30 June 2027.

Oguntayo moves after a brief spell with AFC Greenwich, who he joined from Crowborough on 3 March 2026. His transfer to Eastbourne was completed on 15 August, adding a left-footed defender to the club’s squad for the new campaign.

The full-back made 52 appearances in the National League South during the most recent campaign, contributing eight assists across 3,692 minutes. Those figures represent his most substantial recorded run of senior football and provide the main statistical background to his move.

Oguntayo’s first spell at Eastbourne came in March 2023, when he joined the club from Charlton U21 on a loan transfer. He returned to Charlton at the end of that season before leaving the club in July 2023.

After departing Charlton, Oguntayo joined Hanwell Town in October 2023 and then moved to Lewes in December. He continued his sequence of free transfers with a switch to Chelmsford in July 2024, followed by a move to Maidstone in August 2025.

His 2025-26 campaign included further changes of club. Oguntayo moved from Maidstone to Welling United in January 2026, then joined Crowborough in February before completing the move to AFC Greenwich the following month.

The defender began his recorded senior club career with Kingstonian, joining Charlton’s under-23 side in July 2021. His earlier loan spell at Eastbourne was followed by the return to Charlton, while his latest move brings him back after his progression through several clubs in the English non-league system.

Oguntayo is listed as a left-back and stands 1.80m tall. He holds Irish and Nigerian nationality, and his preferred foot is his left.

The completed transfer gives Eastbourne a familiar option on the left side of defence, with Oguntayo’s second spell at the club secured on a contract until 30 June 2027.