Forward Hakeeb Adelakun returns to Doncaster Rovers on 18-month deal
He rejoins the club after a successful loan spell two seasons ago
Doncaster Rovers have announced the signing of forward Hakeeb Adelakun on an 18-month contract, marking his return to the club after a successful loan spell.
Adelakun, 29, scored nine goals in 21 appearances for Rovers during his previous stint in 2023/24, playing a pivotal role in the team’s run to the League Two play-offs.
Expressing his excitement about returning, Adelakun said:
“I’m delighted, it feels great to be back and I can’t wait to get going again.
“I’ve kept in touch with people at the club and when they asked my thoughts on coming back, I was definitely open to it.
“I got myself going again with Cheltenham and I’m feeling good, so I’m just looking forward to getting started here again.”
Since leaving Rovers, Adelakun has had spells at Salford City and Cheltenham Town, where he finished his short-term deal by scoring in Sunday’s win over Crawley Town.
Rovers manager Grant McCann said: “It’s well-documented what we think of Haks and how well he did during his previous time here.
“He had a really good season last year with Salford with plenty of goals and assists. It might have been frustrating for him at the start of this season that he only got going once he joined Cheltenham, but we’re getting him in a good place because he’s been playing for the last seven or eight weeks and he’s been contributing.
“I’m really pleased to get him on a longer-term contract because he can settle and enjoy his football.”
Before his first spell at Doncaster, Adelakun developed in the academies of Crystal Palace and West Ham United, later joining Scunthorpe United, where he played alongside Rovers assistant manager Cliff Byrne.
He made the move to Bristol City in 2018 and saw loan spells at Rotherham United and Hull City under McCann's management. After joining Lincoln City in 2021, Adelakun was loaned to Rovers, where he became a key player.