National League side Sutton United have announced the signing of Siju Odelusi from National League South side Aveley FC, as confirmed via a statement on the club’s website.
The 25-year-old joins on a one-year deal, with an option of a further one-year extension.
Odelusi began his career in the West Ham United academy system before making the move to non-league club Tilbury, where he made his first steps into the senior game. He had spells at Witham, Leiston, Hayes & Yeading, Northwood, Westfield and Haringey before making the move to Aveley in 2022.
In his first season at Aveley, he helped the club to achieve promotion into the National League South and the following season helped the side reach the National League South playoffs, playing a significant role and helping them finish 7th on their return to the division whilst earning himself a spot in the National League South Team of the Season.
Where Does Odelusi Fit At Sutton?
Odelusi has most often been deployed as a defensive midfielder this season, but his versatility allows him to play as a box-to-box midfielder, attacking midfielder or even out wide. He has often played in a two-man midfield, which has been preferred by Sutton in a 4-2-3-1 formation since the arrival of manager Steve Morrison.
One of the strongest parts of Odelusi’s game is his reliability, making 52 appearances for Aveley last season. As well as this, he has found himself in fine scoring form this season, despite playing a more defensive role, finding the back of the net 17 times and finishing as Aveley’s top scorer.
Is He Ready For The Step Up?
Odelusi has been one of the standout midfielders in the sixth tier last season. The work rate he offers along with his excellent reading of the game makes him a very impressive midfielder.
Following the goals he has scored and his inclusion in the Team of the Season, Odelusi appears to be more than ready for the step up to the National League and has the potential to be a key player for Sutton this coming season.