LARNE have announced the signing of forward Benji Magee from Loughgall for an undisclosed fee.
The 22-year-old forward enjoyed a breakout first Premiership season at Lakeview Park, in which he scored 16 goals for the Villagers and helped Dean Smith’s side to a ninth-place finish in the Sports Direct Premiership.
In the two seasons Magee spent at Lakeview, he played 85 games and scored 31 goals in total, with his partnership with fellow forward Nathaniel Ferris proving effective.
He was also named as the NI Football Writers Young Player of the Season and was also called up to the Northern Ireland U21 squad.
Magee has carried his impressive form into this season, already scoring his first goal of the new campaign in Loughall’s opening-day 3-0 victory over Carrick Rangers.
“It’s been a bit of a hectic 24 hours, but I’m so happy to be here,” said the former Loughgall forward.
“I was delighted with how last season went, but I’ve come to Larne with the aim of winning trophies and more team awards.
“It’ll take a bit of time getting to adjusted to the full-time environment but I’m just eager to get started and get involved with everything.”
The young forward is manager Tiernan Lynch’s second signing in as many days, after the arrival of midfielder Jordan McEneff from Derry City earlier in the window.
Speaking about the signing, Lynch said: “Benji is a player we have been tracking for some time.
“We know there was a lot of interest in him, but we’re delighted that he has chosen to join us and we’re really looking forward to working with him.
“He is another player who will make the transition into full-time football and we feel that will benefit both him and us.”
Magee may be able to feature for the east Antrim side against Gibraltar side Lincoln Red Imps in the first leg of the UEFA Europa Conference League play-offs.