Former Larne full-back has Premiership goal after 'no-brainer' transfer

Andrade previously played for Newry, making six top-flight appearances before joining Larne in 2019.

The 26-year-old has spent the past six years at Loughgall, helping them seal their Premiership return in 2023 after Dean Smith’s side secured the Championship title.

Andrade played 54 times in Northern Ireland’s top-flight for the Villagers and remained at Lakeview Park last season following their relegation.

He now becomes Stuart King’s fourth summer arrival after Ryan Swan, Caolan Marrron and Lorcan Forde as Newry look to build on last season’s promotion from the Premier Intermediate League.

“I’m really happy to be back,” Andrade told the club’s website. “It’s a massive club and I want to help get us back to where I think we belong, which is back in the Premiership.

“Jamie Rea is one of my good friends and we spoke a lot about me coming here. He told me how astonished he was by the noise and the support from the fans when he joined.

“I’m looking forward to more of that this season and it was a no-brainer to make the move. It’s been a long off-season and I’ve been putting a lot of work in. Now I just can’t wait to get started.”

On signing Andrade, manager King said: “I’m delighted to welcome Pablo back to the club.

“He’s someone I’ve admired from his time at Loughgall and will provide energy, width and pace and he can also cover numerous positions.

“His enthusiasm to come to the club impressed me and I’m really looking forward to working with him.”

Meanwhile, Andrade’s former club Loughgall have confirmed the signing of midfielder Reece Glendinning from Carrick Rangers.

Glendinning, who joins brother Ross at the Co Armagh club as Darren Murphy’s latest recruit, has also spent time at Linfield and Ballymena United.

Loughgall said 31-year-old Glendinning “can operate in a number of positions and no doubt will be a great addition to the squad”.