Irish Deadline Day scramble: free agents eye new clubs

Seamus Coleman, the 37‑year‑old Irish full‑back and Everton’s appearance record holder, remains a free agent after training with Gaelic football side Killybegs, as the transfer window edges toward Deadline Day on 1 September. The former Evertonian’s experience could appeal to clubs despite limited recent game time.

Veteran players seeking a fresh start

Seamus Coleman remains a free agent after ending his 17‑year spell at Everton last season. He has been training with Gaelic football side Killybegs while his record of 22 top‑flight appearances in the last three seasons raises doubts among potential suitors. Wrexham and Sheffield United were linked with him, but Sheffield United’s signing of Matt Doherty appears to have ended that interest.

Robbie Brady, released by Preston at the end of last season, has also been hampered by recurring injuries. He made five Championship appearances for the Lilywhites last season, all from the bench, and came on as a substitute for Ireland in the Czech Republic playoff in March. Heimir Hallgrímsson hopes he finds regular football in the Championship or a top European league, but no firm interest has emerged yet.

Evan Ferguson has not featured for Brighton since February 2025. After a loan spell at Roma where he scored three goals in 16 Serie A games, an ankle injury curtailed his progress. Serie A side Genoa have offered to cover 30 % of his wages, but he will not be available until October.

Chiedozie Ogbene’s £8 million move to Ipswich Town in August 2024 has stalled after injury limited him to seven league appearances. A loan spell at Sheffield United yielded 13 Championship appearances, eight as a starter, yet he missed Ipswich’s Premier League opener against Sunderland. Derby County are reportedly monitoring a late‑season swoop for the 29‑year‑old.

Gavin Bazunu is surplus to requirements at Southampton, having not featured in any matchday squad this season and last appearing on 4 January. A loan stint at Stoke City produced six appearances before injury struck. Celtic and Derby County are among the clubs linked with the 24‑year‑old goalkeeper.

James Ferry, after two impressive seasons at Dundee United, has attracted interest from several clubs. Manager Jim Goodwin described the 25‑year‑old as the “outstanding left‑back in the country”. Celtic and Belgian side Anderlecht are monitoring him, although he turned down a £1.7 million offer from Sigma Olomouc earlier in the window.

Loan push for striker as West Brom chase Southampton target

Strikers, midfielders and defenders on the market

Conor Smallbone, a 26‑year‑old midfielder, made 43 Championship appearances for Southampton in 2023‑24 but has seen limited action since. Burnley, Stoke City and West Brom are reported to be considering a move for him.

Kevin Kenny, after a prolific loan spell at Bolton where he scored in five consecutive games, suffered an injury that ended his season. He was on the bench for Celtic’s Champions League win over LASK and may be open to a return to Bolton, whose boss Steven Schumacher welcomed the idea.

Alex Gilbert, 24, recorded 21 Championship appearances for Middlesbrough last season and 47 overall, but felt he was merely a squad player. He helped Charlton secure promotion from League One via the playoffs and could return to that level.

Sean Duffy left Norwich during the summer and remains among the Irish free agents. Earlier speculation linked him with Derry City, but that move has not materialised.

Aaron Lenihan, released by Middlesbrough, has only 12 senior caps since the start of the 2023‑24 campaign and admitted he contemplated retirement. John Egan’s resurgence shows a path forward, yet Lenihan’s next club remains unknown after a brief return to Blackburn.

Conor O’Brien, 25, is understood to be keen on regular centre‑half football after making 37 Premier League appearances for Everton last season, mostly as a makeshift right‑back. He was an unused substitute in Everton’s 2‑0 win over Crystal Palace, and clubs in England, Italy and France are monitoring his situation.

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