Exeter City have completed the permanent signing of promising defender Johnly Yfeko from Rangers, while confirming the departure of eight players in a significant squad reshuffle ahead of the 2025–26 season.
Yfeko, 21, has signed a two-year contract after the Grecians triggered the purchase option in his loan deal. The former Tottenham and Leicester City youth product made 13 appearances during his loan spell before a hamstring injury in October curtailed his involvement. Exeter have paid an undisclosed fee to secure his services from the Scottish giants.
City planning rebuild after mixed campaign
Yfeko, who previously played for Rangers B and made a single senior appearance in the Scottish League Cup, is considered a long-term investment by Exeter boss Gary Caldwell, who praised the youngster’s potential and professionalism.
“I spoke to Johnly today and said he has every tool at his disposal to be a top, top player; now he has to make sure he stays on the pitch next year,” said Caldwell. “He’s professional; he’s consistent with his work because his ceiling is huge for what he can achieve in his career, and we’re delighted to sign him this summer.”
The club have also exercised their option to extend the contracts of striker Josh Magennis, 34, and forward Jay Bird, 24. Magennis, a Northern Ireland international, scored 12 goals in 46 appearances after joining last summer. Bird, who recently impressed on loan at Rochdale, scored five goals in 10 games.
🔴⚪️ A massive thank you and good luck to all the players departing us at the end of their contracts ❤️#ECFC #SemperFidelis pic.twitter.com/qw5ulZo4TA
— Exeter City FC (@OfficialECFC) May 5, 2025
However, eight players have been released following the end of their contracts. Among them are experienced defenders Angus MacDonald and local boy Ben Purrington, Kenyan international Vincent Harper, and centre-back Cheick Diabate. Goalkeeper Shaun MacDonald and academy products Mitch Beardmore, Gabe Billington and Max Edgecombe also leave St James Park.
Contract talks are ongoing with midfielders Caleb Watts, Jake Richards, and Pedro Borges, as well as young goalkeepers Harry Lee and Frankie Phillips. Additionally, veterans Kevin McDonald, Demetri Mitchell, and Yanic Wildschut — who missed the entire season due to injury — have been invited back for pre-season training, though no contracts have been offered yet. Forward Pat Jones is in the same position.
Writer’s View
Exeter’s decision to back Johnly Yfeko signals a forward-looking strategy, favouring youthful potential over short-term fixes. While his injury record poses some risk, his pedigree and promise could pay off if he stays fit.
Letting eight players go — including senior names — underlines the club’s commitment to reshaping the squad after a mixed campaign. For Gary Caldwell, this summer may define whether Exeter push on or plateau once again in League Two.
