Hartlepool United is delighted to confirm the signing of Brooklyn Ilunga following the expiry of his contract with Bromley.

The 22-year-old left-sided player has agreed a two-year contract at Victoria Park, keeping him at Pools until June 2028. The agreement will take effect on 1 July, subject to relevant approvals.

Ilunga arrives on Teesside with more than 100 senior appearances already to his name across the Football League and National League despite still being only 22 years of age.

A product of the Milton Keynes Dons Academy, Ilunga joined the club at the age of seven and progressed through the youth ranks before making his senior debut in League One during the 2020/21 season.

Widely regarded as one of the academy’s standout prospects, he was named Milton Keynes Dons Academy Player of the Year in 2021/22 before gaining valuable senior experience through loan spells with Royston Town, Hemel Hempstead Town and Wealdstone.

After making 23 first-team appearances for MK Dons across all competitions, Ilunga secured a permanent move to League Two side Bromley in January 2025.

He made 17 appearances following his arrival during the second half of the 2024/25 campaign before adding a further 30 appearances in all competitions last season, contributing four assists and establishing himself as a regular member of the Ravens squad.

Comfortable operating at wing-back, full-back or further forward on the left-hand side, Ilunga arrives at Pools with a reputation for his athleticism, versatility and attacking intent as Lee Clark continues to strengthen his squad ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

Speaking after completing his move to Pools, Brooklyn Ilunga said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be joining Pools. This is a massive football club with a proud history, a passionate fanbase and real ambition for the future, so when the opportunity came up it was one I was really excited about.

“The conversations I had about the plans for the club and the players being brought in this summer made it clear that this is a place moving in the right direction.

“There is a real determination throughout the football club to build a strong, competitive group capable of challenging this season and I wanted to be part of that.

“I’m still only 22 and I feel I have a lot more to achieve in the game. I’ve gained valuable experience over the last few years, but I believe this is the right environment for me to continue developing and take the next step in my career.

“I’m coming here to compete, improve and play an important role within the squad. My focus now is on working hard every day, contributing as much as I can and helping the team achieve its objectives.

“I know what this football club means to its supporters and I’m looking forward to experiencing that for myself.

“I can’t wait for pre-season to get started, get out on the training pitch with my new teammates and begin working with Lee and the coaching staff ahead of the new season.”

The signing of Ilunga represents another important addition in shaping Lee Clark’s squad for the season ahead, following the arrivals of Jordan Hugill and Jack Nolan as Pools continues to strengthen ahead of the 2026/27 National League campaign.

Lee Clark, First Team Head Coach at Hartlepool United, said: “We’re delighted to bring Brooklyn to Hartlepool United and we believe he’ll be an excellent addition to the squad ahead of the new season.

“He’s an athletic, dynamic player with real pace and energy. He has the ability to operate in a number of positions on the left, whether that’s at full-back, wing-back or further forward, which gives us valuable flexibility within the group.

“Modern football demands players who can contribute at both ends of the pitch and Brooklyn has the physical attributes to do exactly that. He gets up and down the pitch well, supports attacks, covers ground and gives us natural balance down that side of the team.

“We’ve already added players such as Jordan Hugill and Jack Nolan this summer and Brooklyn complements the group we’re putting together. He adds further competition, versatility and quality in key areas of the pitch.

“Despite still being only 22, he already has significant senior experience behind him and we believe there is a lot more to come from him. We’re looking forward to working with him, helping him continue his development and seeing the impact he can make in a Pools shirt.”

Chris Maxwell, Head of Football Operations at Bromby & Partners, said: “Brooklyn was a priority target and somebody we believed could add real quality in an important area of the team.

“We were looking to strengthen the left-hand side of the pitch and Brooklyn’s profile matched exactly what we wanted. Left-sided players with Football League experience, athleticism and genuine versatility are not easy to find, particularly at his age.

“The fact he has already accumulated more than 100 senior appearances while still only 22 years of age made him a particularly attractive signing for us.

“There was strong interest in him from elsewhere, which was no surprise given his age, experience and potential, but throughout discussions he bought into the vision for the football club and was excited by what we are building at Pools.

“He’s an ambitious player who is eager to improve, continue developing his game and maximise his potential, and we believe Pools is the ideal environment for him to do that.

“Brooklyn is another important addition to a group that is taking shape really well this summer. We believe he has all the attributes to make a significant contribution for Pools and we’re delighted to welcome him to the football club.”