Bangor have announced the signing of former Southampton and Los Angeles FC defender Jeremi Rodriguez as Lee Feeney continues to strengthen his squad ahead of the new Premiership season.

Rodriguez came through the youth ranks of Spanish club Las Palmas before joining Southampton’s academy in 2020, featuring for the Saints’ U18 and U21 teams during his time at St Mary’s.

The 22-year-old sealed a transfer to MLS outfit LAFC in 2023 and made six league appearances for their reserve side in MLS Next Pro.

Following spells in Spain with Telde and UD San Fernando, who Rodriguez represented in the Copa Del Rey last season, the Ecuador U20 international has now joined the Seasiders as they look to build on their solid Premiership return.

placeholder image — Bangor have confirmed the signing of Jeremi Rodriguez. (Photo by Bangor FC)

Speaking to the News Letter earlier this week, Feeney opened up on his willingness to look outside of the Irish League for talent with Rodriguez joining teenage Scottish striker Lucas McRoberts as a new Bangor recruit.

"It (Irish League market) really is (inflated) so we have tried to reach out to other countries to get value for money,” said Feeney. “Players that we can get in on our budget that we think can do a job.

"I don't mind (looking outside of the Irish League), the world is a smaller place now with the internet and connections elsewhere.

"It hasn't been that hard but time will tell whether it has been good business or not.

"A lot of work goes into it. You're always given names and then you have to do your homework to find out about them.

"You're getting 50 to 100 names sent to you by agents and elsewhere so you have to try and see what fits, do your homework, use connections in Scotland or England or wherever it may be to see what type of personality they have.

"Some players are coming away from home which can be difficult for them so you need to see what fits for them.

"We do our homework, we go through everything with a fine tooth comb. We will see how things develop.”