sevendayweekender – Sutton United have strengthened their squad by signing defenders Bobby Amartey and Ben Brookes on short-term loan deals. Amartey joins from Leicester City and will remain with Sutton United until the end of November.
The 20-year-old defender developed through Leicester’s academy after joining the club at under-13 level. He made his debuts for both the under-18 and under-21 teams at just 16 years old, before progressing further within Leicester’s youth setup.
Amartey, who represents Ghana at youth international level, made three appearances for Leicester’s under-21 side during the 2023-24 Football League Trophy campaign. Those appearances helped him earn his first professional contract with the Foxes.
The temporary move gives Amartey an opportunity to gain regular first-team experience with Sutton United. He will now continue his development while gaining valuable competitive football during the opening months of the season.
Brookes has joined Sutton from York City and will remain with the National League club until mid-December. The 25-year-old wing-back was left unregistered from Scott Lindsey’s York City squad for the current League Two campaign.
That situation allowed Brookes to pursue temporary playing opportunities elsewhere. He joined York City from Maidstone in 2025 after gaining experience in non-league football, before making 35 league appearances for York last season.
His experience should provide Sutton with another option in the wide defensive areas. The two arrivals also give the club greater squad depth as they continue their strong start to the National League campaign.
Sutton United Aim to Maintain Strong Start
Sutton United have made an impressive start to their latest National League campaign. They have won four of their opening six matches and currently sit fifth in the table with 12 points.
That early run has placed Sutton among the leading teams and provided a strong foundation for the rest of the campaign. The arrivals of Amartey and Brookes should give the squad additional depth during an increasingly demanding schedule.
Sutton have also continued their recruitment activity with another young loan signing this week. The club added 20-year-old midfielder Joe Knight on a three-month loan from League One side Stevenage.
Knight previously developed within the Brighton & Hove Albion academy before continuing his career elsewhere. His arrival gives Sutton another midfield option alongside their two new defensive additions.
The club’s recent recruitment combines promising young players with more experienced figures. Amartey offers academy pedigree and youth international experience, while Brookes brings regular league experience from his time with York City.
Knight adds further depth in midfield as Sutton look to maintain their strong opening run. With four victories from their first six matches, the club has already established positive momentum.
Amartey will stay until the end of November, while Brookes will remain available until mid-December. Knight’s three-month spell provides another temporary boost during an important stage of the campaign.
Sutton will now hope their strengthened squad can keep them competing near the top of the National League. Their early form and recent additions have provided encouraging signs ahead of the remainder of the season.
