2026 Transfer Window

[2 Year Contract]

With movements already starting at a rapid rate I thought I’d fire up this off season’s favourite thread.

So far we’ve officially seen John Mahon, Wilson Waweru and Ryan Manning officially leave Sligo, Archie Meekison leave Bohs and Brendan Clarke leave Galway. Ladies and gentlemen start your engines… :D

[2 Year Contract]

Sligo have also announced Matty Wolfe won’t be retained

[sbgawa]

JAck Byrne to whichever club in Dublin that will pay his wages.
Id say Pats are favourite as they need a marquee signing to appease the masses and maybe let Mulraney go to pay for most of it

[RealJohn91]

Mountney gone from Bohs too

[D24Saint]

JAck Byrne to whichever club in Dublin that will pay his wages.
Id say Pats are favourite as they need a marquee signing to appease the masses and maybe let Mulraney go to pay for most of it

No thanks they can keep Byrne at Rovers. If SK signs him then he has completely lost the plot.

[ontheotherhand]

No thanks they can keep Byrne at Rovers. If SK signs him then he has completely lost the plot.

I'd have him back at Rovers in a heartbeat.

[Calcio Jack]

I'd have him back at Rovers in a heartbeat.

I would as well … he’ll complement Dawson Devoy perfectly

[total hoofball]

I'm not sure how much In/Out activity there will be at Shels over the next 6 weeks with this nice extended season in Europe but seemingly at least 16 players are already under contract for next season with some until end of 2027 though there could be buy-out clauses in some of those contracts that may not put off some League 1/2 or Scottish teams

It's believed Mark Coyle, Lorcan Healy, Sam Bone, John O'Sullivan, Lewis Temple and Tyreke Wilson will be out of contract while Wessel Speel and James Norris are loans so are up in the air. Coyle and Temple would be the two major keeps for me, obviously Coyle club captain leader proven quality with versatility and Temple while still developing has shown potential in central defence which is the main area we have to strengthen

[RealJohn91]

Very surprised to hear that Coyle is out of contract, he'll most likely sign back but you have to imagine he'll have some decent offers around the league.

[nigel-harps1954]

Coyle back to Harps. Heard it here first.

[sbgawa]

I would as well … he’ll complement Dawson Devoy perfectly

Yeah im looking forward to seeing what devoy can develop into next season at Rovers. With better players around him he could be the standout player next year

[placid casual]

I think it's clarke we're pinching from our feeder club, not devoy.

[Shinkicker]

Rob Cornwall and Alex Lacey also gone from Bohs. While Cornwall was decent enough this year, he was caught for pace several times. A great servant to the club but I agree with this one Lacey was injured too much and players like that can't be carried. Also agree with this one. I just hope Bohs are working as hard to keep Devoy, Tierney, Clarke and a few others

[Glen Of Aherlow]

JAck Byrne to whichever club in Dublin that will pay his wages.
Id say Pats are favourite as they need a marquee signing to appease the masses and maybe let Mulraney go to pay for most of it

No thanks on Byrne and while i'd love to see Mulraney go, can't see it happening with him sitting pretty on another couple of seasons of a contract , on no doubt very good money

[RealJohn91]

Rob Cornwall and Alex Lacey also gone from Bohs. While Cornwall was decent enough this year, he was caught for pace several times. A great servant to the club but I agree with this one Lacey was injured too much and players like that can't be carried. Also agree with this one. I just hope Bohs are working as hard to keep Devoy, Tierney, Clarke and a few others
Devoy and Tierney are under contract for at least another year.

[ontheotherhand]

Devoy and Tierney are under contract for at least another year.

I'd assume the main risk with Devoy would be Shalke or another European club coming in for him? Did well on his trial didn't he?

Tierney seems to love it there so you'll have no issues with him. Hoping we pinch Clarke, but can't see us paying for him, or maybe more accurately, you letting him go for the type of fee we'd offer.

[Dermobohs]

Clarke contract is up next month, I’m hoping we get euro football and manage to tie him down for next season anyway, have heard a few interesting rumours as to who’s coming in, but that’s all they are .

[ontheotherhand]

Clarke contract is up next month, I’m hoping we get euro football and manage to tie him down for next season anyway, have heard a few interesting rumours as to who’s coming in, but that’s all they are .

Hope we lose the cup final and sign him so.

[2 Year Contract]

Jeannot Esua rumoured to be signing for Sligo, Patrick Hickey for Bohs, Rob Slevin for Derry and of course Brendan Clarke has also left. I know the second half of this season was poor from Galway after Moses Dyer left but that’s nearly all of their best players over the last couple of seasons out the door. It’s looking like some rebuild job on their hands

[Shinkicker]

Clarke contract is up next month, I’m hoping we get euro football and manage to tie him down for next season anyway, have heard a few interesting rumours as to who’s coming in, but that’s all they are .

Put the interesting rumours out there please

[TonyD]

No thanks on Byrne and while i'd love to see Mulraney go, can't see it happening with him sitting pretty on another couple of seasons of a contract , on no doubt very good money

Agree re Byrne. I just think he seems a season or two past his sell by date, and he's not the kind go midfielder we need in any case. We seem to have a lot of players still under contract, which will surely be an issue as to how much of a rebuild can be done. I might be going against the prevailing view here, but I still think most of the squad at Pats are good players. Of course this season has been bitterly disappointing and a lot will depend on how much of a response Stephen Kenny can get from the squad next year. Romal Palmer returning could be important, as I think he could make a big difference in the middle. Mulraney is a frustrating one. He showed last year what he is capable of, but never got close to that this year. Elbouzedi is a strange one for me. He seems to have been missing for an awful long time for a shoulder injury, or was there another issue I'm not aware of ? Defensively, Sean Hoare was an awful signing, and sadly is not out of contract. He'd be first on my list to be shown the door. I think the two right backs, SJoberg and McLaughlin are solid. Anang and Rogers are good options in goal, Redmond, Grivosti and Turner are similarly good centre back options. Our defensive record suggests thats not where the teams problems lie. Obviously we need a left back if Anto Breslin is not going to come back into favour, Kazeem hasn't looked up to it, and while McCelland has done ok for someone filling in, we probably need a specialist full back there. We'll need to try and replace Mason Melia of course. Aidan Keena is capable of scoring goals, and I do like Conor Carty as an honest player, I'm not sure he is top level. Kian Leavy is a super talent, but needs to add more of an end product. He's superb at getting thee team up the pitch with his running with the ball however. Simon Power has had is moments, but again, I think he only has 2 league goals ?.

The problem with the team may be less to do with the personnel and more with the fact that we just seem to have a soft centre too mush of the time.

[nr637]

Cobh Ramblers announce Luka Le Bervet has extended his contract at St. Colmans Park and signed a two-year full-time senior contract, marking the first signing of the new era under Head Coach Fran Rockett.
I wonder does that mean Luka is on a Senior full-time minimum wage of €430 per week that was established for all senior full-time professional players in the League of Ireland in 2023!

[sessylU]

Bel Tel reporting that Danny Mullen is off to join Higgins at Coleraine.

https://archive.is/mJmO1

[Jack B]

I wouldn't be sad to see the majority of the Pat's squad leave, though I think we'll unfortunately be stuck with most of them.

Despite conceding the fewest goals in the league I'd say we need two starting full backs and a capable/dependable partner for Redmond. We're apparently in for Diallo who'd be an enormous improvement on Baggley even if not exactly the type of player we may need in midfield. Between Melia leaving, Garrick and Kavanagh likely not being retained, Leavy having zero end product and Mulraney being the way he's been the attacking areas could do with being addressed. Fair to say we often looked light on ideas in this respect.

Byrne is almost the archetypal failed Pat's signing but still and all I'd be up for taking the risk. Still an excellent player in this league on his (admittedly infrequent) day.

[kksaints]

Brendan Clarke has signed for Athlone Town.

[RealJohn91]

Kavanagh likely not being retained
Is he out of contract? I'd take him at Bohs in a heartbeat if we lose Clarke tbh.

[outspoken]

Is he out of contract? I'd take him at Bohs in a heartbeat if we lose Clarke tbh.

He is yeah

[Jack B]

Is he out of contract? I'd take him at Bohs in a heartbeat if we lose Clarke tbh.

His contract is up (I believe) and he got fewer and fewer minutes as the season went on so I'm just putting two and two together.

Definitely a talented player, his record last season especially was great. Always say if you could put him and Leavy together you'd have a proper player as each of their weaknesses is the other's strength. He's got some great end product but can struggle a bit in general play, especially when there isn't the physicality in the team around him to make up for it as is often the case with us.

[TonyD]

His contract is up (I believe) and he got fewer and fewer minutes as the season went on so I'm just putting two and two together.

Definitely a talented player, his record last season especially was great. Always say if you could put him and Leavy together you'd have a proper player as each of their weaknesses is the other's strength. He's got some great end product but can struggle a bit in general play, especially when there isn't the physicality in the team around him to make up for it as is often the case with us.

You're spot on about combining Leavy and Kavanaghs qualities. Brandon has a good eye for a through pass, and a quality delivery from set pieces. Combine that with Leavys close control and running power and it would be super.

[sessylU]

We're apparently in for Diallo who'd be an enormous improvement on Baggley even if not exactly the type of player we may need in midfield.

I'd be raging if Diallo leaves Derry. He's one of those players who looks unfussy but gets a lot done. Is nearly always in the right place to receive the pass and move the ball on, so is rarely in trouble, so rarely looks like he's having to bust a gut. Great player.

He's talked before about being happy playing further forward. I've never really seen that at Derry. He gets the odd goal, but he's always used as part of a deeper pair than a number 10. But I suspect he's a more versatile player than people realise. Intelligent.

[brendy_éire]

I'd be raging if Diallo leaves Derry.

Annoyed, but accepting. Unless he moves to another Irish club. We know that for most of these British players, then eventually end up going back.

He hasn't committed to a new contract with us and is currently in England. I'd be surprised if we see him back in the country.

[redobit]

Sligo have also announced Matty Wolfe won’t be retained

There's a very good player in there. Just hasn't been able to come back from that serious injury.

[thebronze14]

Annoyed, but accepting. Unless he moves to another Irish club. We know that for most of these British players, then eventually end up going back.

He hasn't committed to a new contract with us and is currently in England. I'd be surprised if we see him back in the country.

I have a begrudging appreciation for him whenever I see him play. Solid player, the type you notice and miss when they aren't there rather then standing out when they are

[culloty82]

A number of players leaving Kerry at the end of their contracts, of those, Chris McQueen and Carl Mujaguzi have had most game time this season, but Kevin Williams and Kennedy Amechi are both long-term squad members:

https://kerryfc.com/a-number-of-players-are-set-to-depart-mounthawk-park-at-the-end-of-the-month/?fbclid=IwY2xjawN7IulleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9p ZA80MDk5NjI2MjMwODU2MDkAAR7NmC39p2w9fERkJLvhUqXnXJ pCaW0YJlNZVpNVVdmC7j396lQ0LBfr7OC8DA_aem_TkycfBNbY Lv8gUmFOA7M-w

[oriel]

I wouldn't be sad to see the majority of the Pat's squad leave, though I think we'll unfortunately be stuck with most of them.

Despite conceding the fewest goals in the league I'd say we need two starting full backs and a capable/dependable partner for Redmond. We're apparently in for Diallo who'd be an enormous improvement on Baggley even if not exactly the type of player we may need in midfield. Between Melia leaving, Garrick and Kavanagh likely not being retained, Leavy having zero end product and Mulraney being the way he's been the attacking areas could do with being addressed. Fair to say we often looked light on ideas in this respect.

Byrne is almost the archetypal failed Pat's signing but still and all I'd be up for taking the risk. Still an excellent player in this league on his (admittedly infrequent) day.

Genuine Q on Pats Jack, do you think GK will stick with SK next season if its mid table stuff or well off the pace by say April or May?

I honestly thought he would have had Pats flying in 2025, but seems he alone (SK) is the winner in all of this, as he has another 3 years left on his contract, or is is 4? Missing Europe really was poor given the depth of the squad.

He is on some deal and prob on very high wages too, also if GK needs to make a change its going to cost him big time to compensate the contract.

[outspoken]

A number of players leaving Kerry at the end of their contracts, of those, Chris McQueen and Carl Mujaguzi have had most game time this season, but Kevin Williams and Kennedy Amechi are both long-term squad members:

https://kerryfc.com/a-number-of-players-are-set-to-depart-mounthawk-park-at-the-end-of-the-month/?fbclid=IwY2xjawN7IulleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9p ZA80MDk5NjI2MjMwODU2MDkAAR7NmC39p2w9fERkJLvhUqXnXJ pCaW0YJlNZVpNVVdmC7j396lQ0LBfr7OC8DA_aem_TkycfBNbY Lv8gUmFOA7M-w

I would have had Williams down as one of your better defenders?

[culloty82]

Jonas Hakkinen moves to Mounthawk Park:

https://kerryfc.com/jonas-hakkinen-makes-the-switch-from-the-rebel-county-to-the-kingdom-for-2026/?fbclid=IwY2xjawN8AndleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9p ZA80MDk5NjI2MjMwODU2MDkAAR51Gx0sCeN0QCY4UxX9uoFgFy U1-isMd-8Toolo5xrG5PsKzzpfyqXreIw7DQ_aem_9guCrdcdyLk6_o0n5 YcQzQ

[Kiki Balboa]

Jonas Hakkinen moves to Mounthawk Park:

https://kerryfc.com/jonas-hakkinen-makes-the-switch-from-the-rebel-county-to-the-kingdom-for-2026/?fbclid=IwY2xjawN8AndleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9p ZA80MDk5NjI2MjMwODU2MDkAAR51Gx0sCeN0QCY4UxX9uoFgFy U1-isMd-8Toolo5xrG5PsKzzpfyqXreIw7DQ_aem_9guCrdcdyLk6_o0n5 YcQzQ

One of the more interesting dynamics with Cork going down, is that there are 4 teams at this level looking at regions pool of players in Munster.

Unfortunately for Harps... They also have to compete with Northern Irish teams for players... So dont even benefit in that sense with the distances.

[total hoofball]

Cobh must be screwed if they are losing any of their better players to Kerry

[Jack B]

Genuine Q on Pats Jack, do you think GK will stick with SK next season if its mid table stuff or well off the pace by say April or May?

I honestly thought he would have had Pats flying in 2025, but seems he alone (SK) is the winner in all of this, as he has another 3 years left on his contract, or is is 4? Missing Europe really was poor given the depth of the squad.

He is on some deal and prob on very high wages too, also if GK needs to make a change its going to cost him big time to compensate the contract.

I think it's fair to say that if he was a manager of lesser reputation he'd be under more pressure than he currently seems to be. With the contract he's on and their supposedly great relationship it's hard to see GK doing anything hasty, I'd imagine he'll back Kenny again but patience will start wearing thin with the fans if it's looking like much of the same next season.

For what it's worth right now I think Kenny's biggest mistake was trusting the bulk of a squad that outside of that 10 game run had largely underwhelmed. I personally didn't see a league challenge happening but the optics are pretty bad when you fail to make Europe on top of that disaster in the cup. He seemed to allude as much himself after the Shels game, we'll see how much he can address that in the off-season.

Not sure how accurate it is but some have said he apparently wasn't able to get in a few coaches he had in mind for his backroom staff when he took the job. Gartland ended up coming in but it does seem like there's been more emphasis on Kenny as a coach than initially planned.

[D24Saint]

Good point on the coaching staff. I was only talking to other fans recently about how surprisingly thin the staff is. Afaik we only have Gartland & O’Connor.

[Zico]

A multi year deal too in the first division - Kerry throwing money at this now, who knows where that could all end up!!!

[Zico]

I would have had Williams down as one of your better defenders?

Agree - but seems to fall out of favour with every manager, so must be other things at play. I’m sure he will end up at Treaty and look a better player under Tommy Barrett (as most seem to do).

[pineapple stu]

A multi year deal too in the first division - Kerry throwing money at this now, who knows where that could all end up!!!
In fairness, this is the club that signed two senior internationals this season, so I'm not sure that's a huge change of policy.

[nr637]

One of the more interesting dynamics with Cork going down, is that there are 4 teams at this level looking at regions pool of players in Munster.

Unfortunately for Harps... They also have to compete with Northern Irish teams for players... So dont even benefit in that sense with the distances.

Too be honest, while Hakkinen was a good professional watching him at Cobh, it was very notable he lacked speed as a CH and was very suspect if caught out one on one!

[dundalkfc10]

One of the more interesting dynamics with Cork going down, is that there are 4 teams at this level looking at regions pool of players in Munster.

Unfortunately for Harps... They also have to compete with Northern Irish teams for players... So dont even benefit in that sense with the distances.

An issue for Harps and Derry, and I'd included ourselves is plenty of money going around the league in the 6 counties now

Coleraine, Glentoran and Linfield have plenty of cash to spend and Cliftonville are in the middle of a takeover too

[legendz]

A multi year deal too in the first division - Kerry throwing money at this now, who knows where that could all end up!!!
Figures have been floating around social media on Treaty United's financial losses. For a side just making the playoffs. Financial losses will always be a concern.
The Kerry model was to provide a platform for local talent coming through. Understandably players will be brought in, as they have been in recent years. Has to be sustainable though. I thought the key for the current financial investment is long term sustainability.
If there is an unexpected financial shock, can a club revert to local players only while keeping supporters on board. Whatever direction Kerry take, they need to be able to revert to a Plan B of local players.

[culloty82]

TBF, the recent U20 Shield win suggests many of the squad are capable of making the step up if required, granted 4-5 are already in and around the first team, but even they are only making their first tentative appearances in recent times.

[culloty82]

PFAI Transfer List is out today, Lee Devitt and Dean Ebbe appear the standout names:

https://www.pfai.ie/transfer-list

[kksaints]

PFAI Transfer List is out today, Lee Devitt and Dean Ebbe appear the standout names:

https://www.pfai.ie/transfer-list

Harnett of Wexford is a surprise, he's looked very talented for his age any time I've seen him.