bohemians striker Jonathan Afolabi He joined Belgian club KV Kortrijk for an undisclosed fee.
The 23-year-old had an excellent 2023 season for the Gypsies, finishing tied for second in the Irish League Premier Division (15 goals) and earning a call-up to Stephen Kenny’s senior national team.
The Dubliner also scored in Boas’s FAI Cup final defeat to St Patrick’s Athletic and was nominated for the PFA Ireland Player of the Year award.
With one year left on his contract, the former Southampton and Celtic frontman was thought to be attracting attention from a number of clubs in England as well as Belgium.
KV Kortrijk, who are currently at the bottom of the Belgian professional league with only two wins in 20 games, have won the race to sign him.
𝘈𝘍𝘖𝘓𝘈𝘉𝘐 𝘐𝘚 𝘌𝘌𝘕
Jonathan Afolabi won against Van Het Ilse Bohemian FC. ✍️
De Ierse aanvaller met the top shooter with his Nigerian roots, De Ierse hoogste klasse. ⚽️
📝All information here⤵️https://t.co/ozP4PcfTc1#AltijdEenKerel 🔴⚪️ pic.twitter.com/NxswWx5vh7
— KV Kortrijk (@kvkofficieel) December 29, 2023
Last month, they made an initial offer of 200,000 euros, with the possibility of paying more in bonuses.
Afolabi, who is leaving the club, paid tribute to the Dalymount club.
“It has been a pleasure and an honor to play for Boas for the past year and a half,” he said.
“I would like to thank the coaching staff, teammates and fans for making it such a fun time here.
“I will continue to move forward with many good memories and moments throughout my career that have helped me grow.”
Sligo Rovers continue to strengthen their squad ahead of the new Premier Division season with the signing of a midfielder conor marie Originally from Dundalk.
Murray joins JR Wilson, Wilson Wawel, Simon Power and Ellis Chapman as new additions to the Showgrounds squad as the club looks to improve on their disappointing eighth place in the top flight this year.
Rovers manager John Russell is looking forward to working with the 23-year-old Englishman, who played for Middlesbrough and Rochdale before his season with the Lilywhites.
Russell told sligrovers.com: “He’s a strong signing for us. He’s a player I’ve been very impressed with since he came into the league last year. He’s transformed our midfield in terms of creativity. He is a player who carries the ball well and moves well.” He can score goals and provide assists better than previous players and I think he fits our style of play better.
“He’s a box-to-box midfielder who works hard for the team. I think he’s excited to come to Sligo and play in our system and our style. “He’s a box-to-box midfielder who works hard for the team. I’m looking forward to seeing what he can bring to this team.”
First Division Kerry FC sign 21-year-old left/centre back jack kavanagh From Athlone Town for next season.
Kavanagh signed for the Midlanders in August 2022 after coming through academy level with Dundalk FC. He played 33 games this year as Athlone reached the play-offs and was named in the SSE Airtricity Men’s First Division Team of the Week three times.