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Josh Thomas playing for Drogheda United. Photo: Sportsfile
Daniel McDonnell, Aidan Fitzmaurice and Seán O’Connor
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Our soccer writers bring you the latest transfers of the League of Ireland off-season.
Derry CIty have made another statement of their intent to compete for the title in the 2026 season with the capture of Welsh forward Josh Thomas, writes Aidan Fitzmaurice. The former underage international made an impression while on loan to Drogheda United from Swansea City last season, though his output was restricted due to injury, and rivals here had seen enough in the 23-year-old to make him a target. So Derry have been able to get a deal done, a third signing in less than a week after the arrivals of James and Patrick McClean. “Josh was someone who had been on our radar for a while. I’d seen him a few times, including the cup game at the Brandywell where he gave us a really tough night,” says manager Tiernan Lynch. “Swansea were keen for him to continue to develop and gain experience at senior level and we believe that this is an ideal opportunity for everyone.” He is the seventh new face in place for 2026, as City had already signed James McClean (Wrexham), James Clarke (Bohs), Darragh Markey (Drogheda), Rob Slevin (Galway), James Olayikna (Waterford) and Patrick McClean (Sligo).