After an initial busy period, it's been quiet on the transfer front recently but today, out of nowhere, Dale made their fifth summer signing.

Former Manchester United academy product Aidan Barlow has joined Jim McNulty's side on an initial one-year deal following his release from National League side Eastleigh.

The 24-year-old is an attacking midfielder who can play pretty much anywhere across the middle of the pitch.

Barlow came through the Manchester United Academy and even spent a brief spell on loan at Tromso in Norway, scoring twice in 7 games in 2019.

Following his release from United, he joined Doncaster Rovers in League One and played 34 games (28 in the league), scoring once in a 4-3 defeat away at Morecambe. Doncaster were relegated to League Two that season but Barlow played 17 games, scoring twice the following season as they finished 18th in League Two while we ultimately, suffered relegation to the National League.

Barlow was released by Doncaster Rovers at the end of the 22/23 season and he signed for Eastleigh in July last year but again struggled to cement a place in the team, playing 19 games, of which 7 were starts. He came on after 71 minutes in our 2-0 home win over Eastleigh back in August last year. His last appearance was in January 2024.

Welcome to Rochdale Aidan.

Photo: Action Images

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