League of Ireland 2025 Season Preview: Transfers, Predictions & Key Players

League of Ireland 2025 Season Preview: Transfers, Predictions & Key Players

Galway United’s Big Ambitions, Shamrock Rovers’ Revenge Mission & Shelbourne’s Title Defence

The League of Ireland Premier Division 2025 season is set to be one of the most competitive in years. Galway United is back in the top flight, looking to build on last season, while Shamrock Rovers seek redemption after losing their title to Shelbourne. With major transfers, managerial changes, and European ambitions on the line, here’s a club-by-club breakdown of what to expect.

Galway United: Can Caulfield’s Men Push for Europe?

Last Season (2024) Performance

Galway United returned to the Premier Division and held their own, finishing mid-table in a season of ups and downs. They showed resilience but lacked consistency to challenge for a European spot. Assistant manager Ollie Horgan has already hinted at the need for greater ambition in 2025. (Source)

Key Transfers In
• Evan Watts (GK) – Swansea City (Loan): Highly-rated young goalkeeper.
• Moses Dyer (FW) – Vancouver FC: A versatile forward with international experience for New Zealand.
• Daniel Stynes (MF) – Newcastle Jets: A creative midfielder from Australia.
• Sean Kerrigan (MF) – Michigan State Spartans: A young talent with potential.
• Max Wilson (FW) – Preston North End (Loan): A promising attacker.

Key Transfers Out
• Francely Lomboto (FW) – Sligo Rovers
• Karl O’Sullivan (FW) – Treaty United
• Junior Ogedi-Uzokwe (FW) – Karşıyaka Anamur
• Conor O’Keeffe (DF) – Dundalk
• Jack Brady (GK) – Drogheda United
• Maurice Nugent (MF) – Green Gully

Predicted Finish: 4th – European Push?

With a more settled squad and solid recruitment, Galway United should be challenging for a top-four finish. They may not be title contenders yet, but European qualification is within reach.

Shamrock Rovers: Time to Reclaim the Title?

Last Season Performance

Shamrock Rovers saw their four-year title reign end in 2024 as they finished runners-up to Shelbourne. Manager Stephen Bradley has been busy in the transfer market to ensure his side bounces back.

Key Transfers In
• Ed McGinty (GK) – Oxford United: A top-performing keeper from Sligo Rovers.
• Danny Grant (FW) – Bohemians: A key attacking reinforcement.

Key Transfers Out
• Neil Farrugia (MF) – Barnsley
• Seán Hoare (DF) – St Patrick’s Athletic
• Richie Towell (MF) – Released

Predicted Finish: 1st – Champions Again?

Shamrock Rovers have the strongest squad on paper, and if their signings click, they should reclaim the title.

Shelbourne: Duff’s Men Aim for Back-to-Back Titles

Last Season Performance

Damien Duff led Shelbourne to a stunning title win in 2024, ending Shamrock Rovers’ dominance. However, Duff insists they are not defending a title, but instead chasing another one. (Source)

Key Transfers In

Shelbourne has been quiet in the market so far, but Duff is expected to add reinforcements before the season begins.

Predicted Finish: 2nd – Strong Title Defence

Shelbourne will push Shamrock Rovers all the way, but whether they can go back-to-back remains to be seen.

St Patrick’s Athletic: Building for the Future

Last Season Performance

St Pat’s had a solid 2024 season, finishing third and securing European qualification.

Key Transfers In
• Seán Hoare (DF) – Shamrock Rovers: A defensive boost.
• Mason Melia (FW) – Tottenham Hotspur (Delayed Move): The €2 million-rated striker will move to Spurs when he turns 18. (Source)

Predicted Finish: 3rd – Another European Spot

St Pat’s are well-equipped for another strong campaign.

Dundalk: Rebuilding Era Begins

Last Season Performance

Dundalk had a disappointing 2024, finishing outside the top four.

Key Transfers In
• Conor O’Keeffe (DF) – Galway United
• Several Young Talents from UK Lower Leagues

Predicted Finish: 6th – Transitional Season

Dundalk is in rebuilding mode, and a European spot may be just out of reach.

Derry City: Can They Break Into the Top Three?

Last Season Performance

Derry City finished fourth in 2024 and want to break into the top three.

Key Transfers In
• TBC – Awaiting January Signings

Predicted Finish: 5th – European Spot Battle

Derry will be competitive but need more depth to break into the top three.

Sligo Rovers: Mid-Table Battle

Last Season Performance

Sligo Rovers had an inconsistent 2024, finishing 7th.

Key Transfers In
• Francely Lomboto (FW) – Galway United

Predicted Finish: 7th

Sligo will likely be mid-table again.

Bohemians: Can They Return to Europe?

Last Season Performance

Bohemians missed out on European football, finishing 6th.

Key Transfers In
• TBC – Awaiting January Window

Predicted Finish: 6th – Europa League Fight

Bohemians will be fighting for a European spot.

Drogheda United , Cork City & Waterford FC: Relegation Battle?

Cork City FC: 2025 Season Preview

Overview:

Cork City FC, based in Cork, Ireland, is a prominent football club with a rich history in the League of Ireland. The team plays its home matches at Turner’s Cross Stadium, which has a capacity of 7,485 spectators. 

Recent Performance:

In the 2024 season, Cork City secured promotion to the Premier Division by clinching the First Division title with a victory over UCD on September 6, 2024.  This achievement marked their return to the top flight of Irish football.

Key Transfers:

Incoming:

Conor Brann (Goalkeeper): The 21-year-old joined Cork City after leaving Swindon Town. Manager Tim Clancy praised Brann’s tall and commanding presence, highlighting him as a significant addition to the squad.

Freddie Anderson (Defender): An 18-year-old center-back on a season-long loan from Stoke City. Anderson, who scored on his debut for Stoke in a Carabao Cup match, is expected to bolster Cork Citys defense.

Tein Troost (Goalkeeper): Signed on loan from NAC Breda, Troost adds depth to the goalkeeping department. 

Benny Couto (Defender): A permanent signing aimed at strengthening the backline.

• Sean Murray (Midfielder): Brought in to add creativity and experience to the midfield.

Alex Nolan (Winger): A dynamic winger expected to enhance the teams attacking options.

Re-signings:

• Evan McLaughlin (Midfielder): Committed to the club by signing a new contract for the 2025 season, reinforcing the midfield lineup. 

Pre-season Preparations:

Cork City has been actively preparing for the upcoming season, with a notable pre-season friendly against Kerry FC at Mounthawk Park on February 5, 2025. These matches are crucial for integrating new signings and fine-tuning tactics ahead of the league campaign. 

Projected Outlook:

Returning to the Premier Division, Cork City aims to establish themselves as a competitive force. With strategic signings and a blend of experienced and young talents, they are expected to target a mid-table finish, with aspirations of challenging for European qualification spots. The teams performance will largely depend on how quickly the new additions gel and adapt to the demands of top-flight football.

Predicted Finish:
• Drogheda United – 9th
• Waterford FC – 10th (Relegated)

Both clubs face a tough season and will be battling to avoid the drop.

Final Predicted 2025 League Table
1. Shamrock Rovers (Champions)
2. Shelbourne (Title Contenders)
3. St Patrick’s Athletic (European Spot)
4. Galway United (Surprise Package)
5. Derry City (Top-Five Battle)
6. Bohemians (Mid-Table)
7. Sligo Rovers (Mid-Table)
8. Dundalk (Rebuilding)
9. Drogheda United (Survival Battle)
10. Waterford FC (Relegated)

Final Thoughts

The 2025 League of Ireland season promises big drama, title fights, and European battles. Can Shamrock Rovers reclaim the crown, or will Galway United push for Europe? Drop your predictions below!