MLS NEXT PRO: St. Louis CITY2 Bolsters Midfield with Signing of Adeteye Gbadehan
- Staff Writer
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
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ST. LOUIS — St. Louis CITY2 has officially strengthened its midfield for the 2026 MLS NEXT Pro campaign, announcing the signing of 22-year-old Maryland native Adeteye Gbadehan. The 6-foot-2 midfielder joins the club on a one-year contract through December 2026, with a club option to extend through June 2027, pending league and federation approval.
Gbadehan returns to the United States following a multi-year stint in the United Kingdom, most recently with English Championship side Cardiff City FC. During his time in Wales, Gbadehan made professional appearances at both the senior and U-21 levels, including a notable start in the EFL Cup against Premier League outfit Southampton.
"Adeteye is a great addition to our group this season," said CITY2 Head Coach David Critchley. "He brings a strong work rate, physical presence, and a lot of energy to our midfield. His experience in the English Championship with Cardiff City will be a valuable asset to our team as we navigate a highly competitive Western Conference."
A product of the DMV youth soccer scene, Gbadehan’s path to the professional ranks was marked by standout performances for Future SC Monarchs, where he helped lead the team to a Dallas Cup title in 2021. His physical profile and technical composure caught the attention of several European scouts, leading to trials with Brentford and Southampton before he eventually signed professional terms with Port Vale and later Cardiff City.
The addition of Gbadehan provides CITY2 with a robust defensive-midfield option capable of disrupting opposition play and initiating transitions. His arrival is particularly timely for a St. Louis side that has emphasized a high-octane, pressing style of play. Gbadehan’s familiarity with the speed of the English game is expected to allow for a seamless transition into the MLS NEXT Pro environment.
"He does everything you'd expect from a number six," noted technical observers familiar with his development. "His ability to cover ground and his aerial presence make him a difficult matchup in the center of the park. As he gets more reps within the CITY system, his impact on the game should only grow."
Gbadehan joins a surging CITY2 roster that currently sits atop the Western Conference standings after a perfect 2-0-0 start to the 2026 season. The club has been aggressive in its recruitment of domestic talent with international experience, aiming to create a bridge between the youth academy and the MLS first team.
The midfielder is expected to be available for selection immediately, potentially making his debut as soon as this weekend’s fixture against Ventura County FC. As CITY2 looks to maintain its defensive dominance—having yet to concede a goal this season—Gbadehan’s presence in the pivot is seen as a key component of their long-term tactical blueprint.
Player Information:
Name: Adeteye Gbadehan (Ah-deh-teh-yeh Gbá-deh-han)
Position: Midfielder
Height: 6'2"
Hometown: Laurel, Maryland
Previous Club: Cardiff City FC (England)
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