It was a busy end to the summer transfer window.
Republic of Ireland’s internationals Mikey Johnston, Festy Ebosele and Tom Cannon all secured late moves as transfer deadline day came to a close last night.
There were several last-minute deals that went through just before the clock struck midnight, including Raheem Sterling switching from Chelsea to Arsenal on loan, Ivan Toney securing his big-money move to Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli, and midfielder Manuel Ugarte moving from PSG to Manchester United.
Unfortunately for Caoimhin Kelleher, Nottingham Forest’s bid for the Corkman was rejected by Liverpool as it fell below their £35 valuation of the second choice goalkeeper.
Kelleher, who has two years left on his contract, must be itching for more game-time after impressing during Alisson’s injury spell last season.
For three other Irish stars, deadline day saw them packing up and moving to new clubs in search of new opportunities.
Winger Mikey Johnston has made a permanent move to West Bromwich Albion after impressing at the Hawthorns while on loan from Celtic last season.
The 25-year-old has a four-year contract with the promotion hopefuls, who remain unbeaten three games into the EFL Championship season.
Striker Tom Cannon, meanwhile, has made a loan switch from Leicester City to Championship side Stoke City, while full-back Festy Ebosele secured a switch from Italian side Udinese to Watford for the remainder of the campaign.
Related links:
Elsehwere, former St Patrick’s Athletic centre-half Luke McNally made the move to Championship side Bristol City from Burnley for an undisclosed fee.
The 24-year-old defender said he was “really excited and very grateful to be at a club like Bristol City.”
“I wanted to join for the project really, and the manager has been successful, and I can see he is really building something here,” he added.
