Motherwell have secured the services of Congolese left-back Emmanuel Longelo on a two-year contract following his departure from English Championship side Birmingham City.
The 23-year-old makes his first move abroad, albeit within the UK, as he joins the Scottish Premiership outfit in search of a fresh start.
Having come through the youth ranks at West Ham United, Longelo now steps into a new challenge north of the border after a testing spell in English football.
Longelo arrives at Fir Park slightly behind schedule, with most of Motherwell’s pre-season preparations already completed.
The timing means he has limited opportunity to impress the coaching staff before the start of the league campaign, and he is expected to hit the ground running to earn a regular place in the side.
Last season, Longelo struggled to make an impact at Birmingham City and was loaned out in January to Cambridge United.
Although he showed flashes of promise during his stint in League One, the club endured a difficult second half of the campaign, eventually suffering relegation to League Two.
Despite Cambridge’s struggles, Longelo made 19 appearances, contributing two goals and two assists. His ability to push forward from the left-back position and support the attack was among the positives noted during his loan spell.
However, it was not enough to convince Birmingham City to retain him in their plans, leading to the termination of his contract and a search for a new home.
Now, Longelo embarks on a new chapter in Scotland, where he will be tested in a different footballing environment. The Scottish Premiership presents both a physical and tactical challenge, and the Congolese defender will need to quickly adapt to the demands of the league if he is to make a lasting impression.
This move marks the first time Longelo has played outside England, and the shift in setting could prove crucial for his development.
While the transition from England to Scotland may not be drastic in terms of language and culture, it remains a significant step in his professional career.
Motherwell, who are looking to strengthen their defensive options for the coming season, will hope that Longelo’s athleticism and experience in English football will bring depth and competition to their squad.
With the new campaign approaching, the left-back has little time to settle in, but the opportunity to earn consistent playing time could provide the platform he needs to reignite his career.
For Longelo, the move is more than a transfer—it is a chance to rebuild his trajectory and prove himself once again. Having struggled to find continuity at Birmingham and endured a relegation battle with Cambridge, the switch to Motherwell could be the fresh start he needs to rediscover his best form and showcase the talent that once made him a prospect at West Ham’s academy.
His journey in Scotland begins with the challenge of integrating into a new squad and convincing his new coaches that he is ready for the task ahead.
