Irish League boss confident new signing can make 'significant contribution' after seeing off interest 'here and across the water'
Glentoran Women’s manager Kim Turner believes new signing Naomi McLaughlin will “make a significant contribution” after the Irish League club fought off competition from “both here and across the water” to secure her services.
Northern Ireland youth international McLaughlin won a treble with Cliftonville before earning a move to Scottish outfit Aberdeen, where she made 10 senior appearances and scored twice in the Scottish Women's Premier League.
The 20-year-old was shortlisted for NIFL’s Women's Young Player of the Year award in 2025 and also previously enjoyed a spell with Sion Swifts prior to joining the Reds.
McLaughlin could make her debut in Wednesday’s UEFA Women's Champions League first qualifying round showdown with Riga FC and boss Turner is confident Glentoran’s new recruit can hit the ground running.
"We're delighted to welcome Naomi to Glentoran,” said Turner. “She attracted interest from a number of clubs, both here and across the water, so we're really pleased she chose Glentoran as the best place to continue her development.
"We know exactly the quality she brings. Naomi is a talented attacking player who adds real depth and competition to our squad.
"Of course, her goals from midfield are a huge asset, but it's her all-round game, technical ability and understanding of the game that really stood out to us.
"At just 20 years of age, Naomi still has enormous potential and we're looking forward to helping her continue her development.
"She's settled into the squad really well already, and we're confident she'll make a significant contribution during what promises to be a hugely exciting second half of the season."
Glentoran have won four of the last six Premiership titles, including last term, and currently sit level on points with leaders Linfield this season.
Turner’s side have also reached the last two League Cup finals, losing out to Cliftonville Ladies on both occasions, and McLaughlin wants to help The Oval outfit continue competing for major honours.
"I'm absolutely delighted to be joining Glentoran,” said McLaughlin. “It's a massive club with a fantastic reputation, and after speaking with Kim it was clear this was the right place for me.
"I really enjoyed my time at Aberdeen and I'd like to thank everyone at the club for the opportunity they gave me.
"I've grown so much in such a short space of time, both on and off the pitch, and I'll always be grateful for that experience.
"When I spoke to Kim about her plans for the team, how she sees me fitting into it and how she wants to help me continue developing as a player, I knew this was the challenge I wanted to take on.
"I'm ambitious and I want to win trophies.
"Glentoran is a club that's consistently challenging for honours, and that's exactly the sort of environment I want to be part of.
"I've already had the chance to train with the girls and they've made me feel really welcome.
"There's a lot of quality within the squad and I'm excited to get started and hopefully help the team enjoy another successful season."