The League of Ireland season is approaching its business end, with this summer’s transfer window likely to prove instrumental in the race for the title, Europe, and the battle to avoid relegation.
There has been a flurry of activity among the ten Premier Division clubs to date, and the Deck picks out three of the standout arrivals.
The transfer window has seen some big names leaving these shores as Sean Grehan, Tein Troost, and Reece Hutchinson confirmed departures from Bohemians, Cork City and Sligo Rovers, respectively.
League of Ireland Summer 2025 Key Incoming Transfers
Douglas James-Taylor to Bohemians
This deal could have major ramifications in the League of Ireland title race, with Bohemians potentially solving the final piece of the puzzle as they aim to close the gap on Shamrock Rovers. The experiment with the Lys Mousset signing has not worked out, and there has been a lack of a major presence leading the line.
Colm Whelan has scored four goals; however, he is yet to prove he is the man to spearhead the team’s title charge.
That has led to much of the onus in attack being placed on the advanced midfield and wide players. Dayle Rooney has slowly recaptured his form from last season, with Dawson Devoy and Ross Tierney key in driving the team into forward areas.
The permanent signing of Douglas James-Taylor from Walsall may just be the answer to their woes in attack. The 23-year-old scored 15 times in 35 matches for Drogheda United during his loan spell, and his all-around game will be a major boost to Bohs’ title challenge.
The forward ranks in the top ten for total shots and efforts on target of all forwards in the Irish top-flight in 2025 and the top four for tackles, highlighting his attributes on and off the ball. His statistics are all the more impressive considering he has returned from a long-term injury.
This should prove to be a shrewd signing from Alan Reynolds and Bohemians. James-Taylor has the ability to play at a higher level in the EFL and should slot straight into the number nine role at Dalymount Park.
James McManus to Sligo Rovers
Struggling Sligo Rovers need additions, with midfield being one key area that needed addressing heading into the summer transfer window. Seb Quirk has been brought in and might potentially play in midfield, but 20-year-old McManus has the potential to be a difference-maker for the Bit O’Red.
The Bohemians player has joined John Russell’s team on loan until the end of the campaign. He is a regular for Ireland at under-19 level and has made almost 70 appearances for Bohs, scoring a late winner in Dalymount Park in April against Cork City.
He should sit in the middle of the pitch and attempt to dictate play. The player should be available to make an impact as soon as possible, having made 12 appearances in 2025 and taking a place on the bench in the two teams’ thrilling draw at Dalymount last week.
Adam Frizzell to Derry City
The Candystripes moved quickly to replace Paul McMullan after the winger returned to Scotland with Raith Rovers. Dominic Thomas has also left the Brandywell to join Ayr United after falling out of favour. These moves had left a hole in wide areas, with Frizzell brought in to add quality to a side that is sitting in second place in the League of Ireland Premier Division.
Tiernan Lynch’s side have come under scrutiny for some of their displays but are still the nearest challengers to Shamrock Rovers at the top. They have now added one of the better players in the Scottish Championship in 27-year-old Frizzell.
The former Kilmarnock man captained Airdrieonians FC to promotion from the Scottish second-tier, playing a variety of roles and contributing two goals and ten assists. He is the type of player who will drive the team forward and create opportunities for the attacking players. This signing appears to be a real statement of intent from Derry City as they aim to secure a finish in Europe at the very least.