Former Republic of Ireland U21 international Zach Elbouzedi has signed for St Patrick's Athletic, linking up with his former manager Stephen Kenny.
The Dubliner returns from Swedish outfit AIK, where he made 52 appearances during a three-year stint, broken up by a short loan spell at Swindon Town earlier this year.
Elbouzedi was a mainstay of Kenny's Ireland U21 squad in 2019 and 2020, during which he scored three goals in 13 appearances. Around the same time, the winger was playing for Waterford FC before departing for Lincoln City.
"I'm delighted. I've played here at Richmond Park before when I was at Waterford, it's a massive club and with Stephen (Kenny) being here too was a massive factor in me coming to Pat's, I think it's an exciting time to be here," said Elbouzedi, in a statement on the St Patrick's Athletic website.
"I played some of the best football of my career under Stephen (with Ireland U21s), the style of football he plays and the confidence that he instills in you as a player is something I really enjoyed so I'm looking forward to getting going now and working under him again."
"Zach is a high level player," Kenny said, gteeting the move. "He played for the Ireland U-21s under me, he's got exceptional pace, and gives real width on either flank and has a tremendous work ethic, athletically he's quite exceptional too.
"I feel he is in the prime of his career in his mid-20s. He's Dublin born so coming back to his home city to join St Patrick's Athletic so it's an exciting period for Zach and us."
Arsenal midfielder Jack Henry-Francis has joined Sligo Rovers on loan until the end of the 2024 season.
The Republic of Ireland underage international joins the Bit O'Red on a short-term loan deal, subject to international transfer clearance.
The 20-year-old midfielder joined the Gunners in 2016 from Fulham when he was 13 and has regularly trained with Mikel Arteta’s first-team squad.
Henry-Francis, who qualifies for Ireland through his parents’ Mayo and Leitrim heritage, has played six times for the Ireland U19s and once for the U21s against Kuwait last year.
Henry-Francis is the third new player to join Rovers this summer, following Stephen Mallon’s move from Cliftonville, and Luke Pearce who joined on loan from Cardiff City.
The London-born player is hoping to make the most of his time at the Showgrounds, with senior football very much on the agenda.
"I’m looking to get some exposure to first-team football really and when I get the chance, I want to put in some really good performances", he said.
"I think I can do that here. I’ve spoken a lot to John and about his plans for me and the squad for the rest of the year and it’s been very exciting. I know a fair bit about the league and have watched a fair bit of it since I knew I’d be moving over.
"There seems to be a lot of togetherness in the team and a lot of fight, along with some really good technical players."
Henry-Francis, who turns 21 in September, feel he has benefited from him career so far with the Gunners.
"It’s always a great experience being with Arsenal’s first team as it’s always intense as there are a lot of demands, but I feel that will stand to me at Rovers.
"The last few years, the level I’ve trained at has really made me play up a level as you’re training with players who are chasing Premier League titles."
Meanwhile, Aodh Dervin has joined Dundalk from Galway United as the Lilywhites continue to overhaul their squad.
The 24-year-old arrives on a permanent deal and could make his Lilywhites debut in Friday night's Sports Direct Men's FAI Cup second-round tie with Drogheda United at Weaver's Park.
A native of Longford, Dervin progressed through the ranks at his hometown club before joining Shelbourne ahead of the 2022 season,
A loan spell back at Longford Town followed before he moved west to Galway in July 2023, helping the club to promotion last season.
"Dundalk is a huge club and as soon as I heard there was interest, my mind was made up," said Dervin.
"I can remember coming here and watching Dundalk playing people off the park for fun. It's about trying to get the club back to those levels now and hopefully, I can play a part in that."
Dervin made 16 appearances for the Tribesmen this season with his only goal coming in their 2-0 win against Dundalk at Oriel Park in February.
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