Ex Rangers talent who overcame 'life threatening injuries' to continue career seals latest SPFL transfer

Former Rangers youth prospect Dapo Mebude has joined SPFL League One outfit Airdrieonians after impressing on trial.

It was reported earlier today by Lanarkshire Live Sport that the 24-year-old Englishman was ‘close’ to joining the Diamonds ahead of their third-tier title push this season under new head coach John Rankin.

London-born Mebude came through the Ibrox youth ranks and spent last season with Arbroath in the Championship, scoring twice in 21 appearances for the Red Lichties as they fell short of achieving promotion following a play-off quarter-final defeat to Dunfermline.

Since leaving Rangers back in 2021, the versatile attacker has turned out for AFC Wimbledon, as well as having stints abroad at KV Oostende in Belgium and Septemvri Sofia in Bulgaria.

It was claimed Airdrie faced stiff competition to secure Mebude’s signature, with Rankin confirming earlier this week that he was running the rule over a number of trialists ahead of the club’s first pre-season friendly against Elgin City this weekend.

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Commenting on his newest recruit, ex-Hibs and Dundee United stalwart Rankin reckons Airdrie have signed a player who will quickly develop into a “fan favourite.”

He told the club’s official website: “We’re delighted to get Dapo in - we had to work hard on this one. “Dapo came in as one of the trialists over pre-season, and his effort level and endeavour throughout that time has been impressive and his sharpness has certainly caught the eye.

“He’s maybe at the point in his career where he needs to find a home, and hopefully we can be that place for him to kickstart his career and reignite himself.

“I’m certain he can be from the glimpses that we’ve seen of him and the quality he possess, along with the attributes that he has. Dapo should be a star for us and a fans favourite.”

After putting pen to paper, Mebude commented: “It’s been a few weeks since I spoke to the gaffer, so it’s good to get it sorted. Obviously I’ve played against Airdrie a couple of times in the last few seasons, and they’ve got a nice style of play, but I think the most important thing was the gaffer - an being full-time as well.

“I’ve had a good few conversations with the gaffer, and I think he can get the best out of time.”

Serious car crash almost ended Mebude’s career - 'I was lucky to be alive'

Mebude’s playing career was almost cut short in January 2024 when he was involved in a horror life-threatening car crash in Belgium while on route to a mid-season friendly game with Oostende.

He spent five days in a coma in a hospital in Brugge after the accident and had to undergo emergency surgery after his vehicle spun off the road and collided with a tree.

Speaking back in November 2024 as he opened up on the ordeal, Mebude told BBC Sport: “It was at the start of this year. I was just going to a friendly game, because we had winter camp over there and we had two weeks off. Then we had a game and I was looking forward to it, as I trained well during the week in the lead up to it. I was meant to play in that game but then on the way there, my tire hit something and my car just spun off the road and hit a tree.

“I didn't obviously see much of it until the following week when I woke up. I broke my ribs and I had a contusion which is like bruising around my heart. When I woke up, the doctors just kept telling me I was lucky to be alive, but I think I was on so much medication I wasn't really like taking it in.

“It was probably two or three weeks after when it started to hit me a bit and just thinking yeah ‘I'm lucky to be alive’. But then about two weeks after, I was in hospital and saying I just want to play football again. So it was a stark contrast, but I feel fully over it now. I'm just glad to be back playing, I'm enjoying myself every day and I'm just thankful for the opportunities.”