Doncaster Rovers' stance on potential Hakeeb Adelakun reunion after Cheltenham spell ends

The winger, 29, spent the second half of the 2023-24 campaign on loan at the Eco-Power Stadium. He's since had spells at both Salford City and Cheltenham Town. His spell with the Robins concluded today (Sunday), as he signed off with a goal in their 3-0 victory over Crawley in League Two.

Now, technically a free agent once more, Adelakun could be set for what would be an extraordinary Rovers return. However, whilst both parties are interested in a reunion the Free Press understands a deal is not concrete just yet. Any arrangement is most likely to be until the end of the 2025-26 season.

The wideman originally joined Rovers from Lincoln City on loan in January 2024 and played a huge part in transforming Rovers’ form as they flew up the table and qualified for the League Two play-offs that season. He racked up a whopping 16 goal contributions in just 21 league games but then turned down the offer of a permanent contract at Rovers with manager Grant McCann saying at the time: "It’s just football. You don’t get everything you want so we had to act quickly. We always had plans in place if we didn’t keep players."

Despite that rejection, Adelakun took his time in finding a new club. There was speculation - unfounded at the time - of a potential quickfire return but McCann quickly shot that down when asked. "Not our player, not my concern," was his brief and blunt response in August 2024.

After a similarly impressive spell with Salford City (13 goals in 32 games) in the 2024-25 season, Adelakun left last summer before eventually penning a short-term deal with Cheltenham in November. Cheltenham manager Steve Cotterill has confirmed that today was indeed the last game of the arrangement, which saw him score three goals in 11 league outings.

Speaking to Gloucestershire Live, he insinuated that Adelakun's next club has already been decided: "That was his last game for us... we know where he's going to end up. The only disappointing thing about that is, there hasn't been a phone call about it. It is what it is and there is not a lot we can do about it.

"He's a good lad, I've known him a long time and it looks like it's worked out well for both parties..... he's now getting the move that perhaps he wants. Well obviously he does want it, or he wouldn't be going there."

Rovers have so far made two signings in the January window - defender Bailey McCann and midfielder Darren Robinson joining on free transfers from Barnsley and Derby County respectively.