One-time Lincoln City trialist Gbemi Arubi has completed a move to Burton Albion after impressing in the League of Ireland with Dundalk.
The 22-year-old has joined the Brewers for an undisclosed fee, signing a three-year contract with the option of a further 12 months. Burton had previously been linked with Arubi alongside Huddersfield Town, but they have now won the race for his signature.
Arubi has scored seven goals and registered three assists in the Irish Premier Division this season, including a goal during his final appearance for Dundalk against Drogheda United. His performances have also earned him international recognition, with the striker making his Republic of Ireland Under-21 debut in a 2-2 draw against Croatia last month.
The forward will be of interest to Lincoln City supporters after spending time training with the Imps during 2023. He also featured in City colours during the Lincolnshire Senior Cup, scoring against Boston United while being assessed by the club. A permanent move did not follow, and Arubi subsequently returned to Ireland before joining Waterford ahead of the 2024 campaign.
He made 17 appearances in all competitions during his season with Waterford and helped the club win the Munster Senior Cup, beating Kerry FC 2-1 in the final. Dundalk then signed him ahead of the 2025 season, providing the forward with an opportunity to play regularly.
Arubi responded with 12 goals and two assists from 28 appearances as Dundalk won the First Division title. He also helped the Lilywhites secure the Leinster Senior Cup, providing an assist during their 2-1 final victory against St Patrick’s Athletic.
His form continued following Dundalk’s return to the Premier Division, with the striker establishing himself as an important part of a side sitting fourth in the table at the time of his departure.
Burton head coach Gary Bowyer believes the former Imps trialist still has plenty of room to develop.
“We’re really pleased to have Gbemi in the building with us,” he said. “He’s a young striker with a lot of potential and we’re really looking forward to working with him every day to help him develop as a player.”
Arubi originally came through the youth system at Cherry Orchard before beginning his senior career with Shelbourne. He marked his professional debut with a goal against Dundalk in the Leinster Senior Cup and went on to make 11 first-team appearances during the 2023 season.
Sporting director Richard Dorman added: “Gbemi is someone who has impressed for both club and country in Ireland, so we are really pleased that he has chosen to come to Burton Albion.
“We look forward to working with him and giving him the opportunity to reach the next level.”
Three years after briefly appearing in an Imps shirt, the forward will now get the chance to test himself in the English Football League with Burton.