Notts County have bolstered their defensive options by signing Rosaire Longelo from Salford City on a three-year deal, the club confirmed on 1 September. The fee has not been disclosed.

The deal

Longelo, 26, moves to Meadow Lane after an 18-month stint with Salford City, during which he made 63 appearances for the Ammies. The structure of the deal is a straight three-year contract, with no additional details on options or sell-on clauses made public at this stage.

County's director of football, Richard Montague, was candid about how long the club had been tracking the player. "We've been keen to sign Rosaire for a while now so we're delighted to now have him on board," Montague told the club's official website. The persistence of the pursuit suggests Longelo was a genuine priority target rather than a late-window convenience.

Who is Longelo?

The wide defender began his career at West Ham before gaining senior experience with Accrington Stanley and Swindon Town. He joined Salford in January 2025 and racked up a healthy return of appearances across his time there. Crucially for County, he arrives with prior third-tier experience from his days at Accrington, a point Montague was keen to highlight.

"Rosaire is an attack-minded wide player with plenty of pace, trickery and dribbling ability," Montague said. "He gives us real depth in the wing-back position and also brings prior League One experience from his time with Accrington."

That profile, an energetic, direct wide player comfortable in a wing-back role, fits the mould of a player who can contribute at both ends of the pitch, pressing high and delivering end product going forward.

What it means for County

The signing comes at a busy period for Notts County following several other moves through the summer transfer window. Manager David Paterson has spoken publicly about the need for his squad to gel quickly after the activity of the window, and adding a player with Longelo's third-tier pedigree at least ensures a degree of readiness.

With wing-back roles demanding considerable stamina and tactical versatility, competition for those positions can only sharpen the collective. Longelo's pace and dribbling, according to the club's own assessment, adds a dimension that could prove useful in both settled and transitional spells during a match.

County have also recently added Charlton Athletic striker Victor Kanu on loan, suggesting a concerted effort to deepen the squad across multiple positions before the window closed. Longelo's arrival on a permanent three-year deal, rather than a loan, signals a longer-term commitment from the club to the player's development at Meadow Lane.

Looking ahead

The full integration of new signings will be tested quickly in a competitive third-tier calendar. Paterson has already acknowledged the challenge of blending a freshened group in a short space of time, and games are coming thick and fast. Longelo's experience in the division, even if accumulated at a different club, should help shorten that settling-in period.

County supporters will be watching to see how swiftly the 26-year-old makes his mark at Meadow Lane. If the director of football's enthusiasm is anything to go by, the wait to land this particular target has been considerable, and the club will be hoping it proves well worth it.

Frequently asked

How long is Rosaire Longelo's contract at Notts County?
Longelo has signed a three-year deal at Meadow Lane, with the fee from Salford City undisclosed.
What position does Rosaire Longelo play?
Longelo is described by Notts County's director of football as an attack-minded wide player who can operate as a wing-back, with pace and dribbling among his key attributes.
What clubs has Rosaire Longelo played for before Notts County?
Longelo started at West Ham and had spells at Accrington Stanley and Swindon Town before joining Salford City in January 2025, where he made 63 appearances prior to his move to County.