LOI transfer wrap: Dundalk, Drogheda United and Cobh Ramblers unveil deadline day moves
- Andrew Dempsey
- Wed, Feb 22 2023
League of Ireland Premier Division rivals Dundalk and Drogheda United have unveiled two late signings before the transfer deadline.
The League of Ireland deadline passed on Wednesday night at 11pm – and Dundalk have added another loan to their ranks.
Rayhaan Tulloch has joined Stephen O’Donnell’s men on loan from West Brom and he is the Lilywhite’s final signing of the window.
Tulloch, 22, made his first-team debut for the Baggies against Brighton in 2019 in an FA Cup tie and has also played on loan with Rochdale and Doncaster United.
And the forward will add some depth to Dundalk’s front-line this season under O’Donnell.
Tulloch said: “I’m looking forward to playing in Ireland. I’ve heard a lot of positive things about the league and especially about Dundalk.
“I’ve been told it’s a highly professional environment and they do things properly at the club.
“They want to get back to the top and they have big ambitions which suits me as a player.
“I’m coming over to try and play as many games as possible and my hope is to try and score goals and provide assists and help Dundalk get back to where they want to be.”
Meanwhile, Drogheda United have swooped to sign midfielder Matthew O’Brien to conclude their own transfer business.
O’Brien, 20, was previously on the books of Longford Town having played schoolboy football for Phoenix FC in Dublin.
And he now links up with his former Longford boss Daire Doyle at United Park – with Kevin Doherty in charge and Doyle his assistant.
Doherty said: “I’m delighted to have Matthew signed. Matthew’s a really exciting young player, and has good experience, and played plenty of games already in the league.
“He’s another local player in the squad as well which is important too. It’s his local club and that can add that little bit extra for players and the supporters.”
Elsewhere, Cobh Ramblers have unveiled the loan signing of Reading youngster Claudio Osorio.
Osorio, 20, made his senior debut for Reading in August 2021 and has played for England at Under-15 level.
He will stay on loan at St Colman’s Park until the end of June.
