As the transfer window comes to a close on September 7th, several Irish international player transfers have stood out.
The World Cup showcased the raw potential of the Irish Women’s National team as they made their first ever appearance at the tournament. Needless to say, the World Cup having taken place weeks before the transfer window shed light on the talent Ireland possessed.
Here is a summary of the latest Ireland international transfers for the 2023-2024 season
Ruesha Littlejohn to London City Lionesses
Ruesha Littlejohn was transferred to the London City Lionesses after having spent two years at Aston Villa. The 33 year old midfielder won her 75th cap for Ireland and boasts a high profile team history having played with the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal.
Echoing her thoughts on Littlejohn’s impressive career, Lionesses head coach Carolina Morace said, “She is an international player who offers experience and technical skill, with good vision across the pitch. She can be another role model for the younger players that we have here.”
Kyra Carusa to San Diego Wave
After an extensive amount of time playing for teams in Europe such as the London City Lionesses, the San Diego-born Irish international, Kyra Carusa, joined her hometown’s team.
Since her transfer, Carusa scored the winning goal for the San Diego Wave against Oregon’s Portland Pride on August 26th, bringing the overall score to 2-1. At present, the Californian team stands at the top of the US National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) table, proving the difference that Carusa’s transfer has made.
Heather Payne to Everton
Continuing her professional league career, Heather Payne was signed to the Women’s Super League (WSL) team Everton from the Florida State University Seminoles. This marks her second WSL team after having played with Bristol City in 2019.
On the transfer she said, “This club boasts an impressive history of nurturing talent. I’ve always harboured the desire to play in England, and I genuinely believe that it hosts one of the most competitive leagues globally.”
Megan Walsh to West Ham United
The backbone of any soccer team is its goalkeeper, and indeed Megan Walsh served this purpose at the World Cup. After having played for England’s at the U-17, U-19, and U-23 level, Walsh decided upon playing for Ireland, for which she qualifies through her Wexford-born grandfather.
West Ham United announced the signing of Megan Walsh from Brighton and Hove Albion with whom she had played for four years. Walsh maintains the standards of the WSL are high. “The WSL is one of the best leagues in the world-it’s tough and it’s getting even more competitive year on year.”
Megan Connolly to Bristol City
Much like her namesake and Irish international counterpart, Megan Walsh, Megan Connolly was signed to WSL team Bristol City from Brighton and Hove Albion, her first professional contract.
Connolly was notably one of the only Irish players that participated in every minute of a World Cup match. She previously spoke of her transfer, "I’ve heard great things about the team and the culture within the group which was a really big thing for me because it can be quite hard to find such strong togetherness. We’re going to be fighting for every result next season so having that is so important."
Jessie Stapleton to West Ham United
At just 18 years old, Jessie Stapleton has made a name for herself in Irish women's soccer, having been called up as an international prospect at age 13. Although she wasn't picked for the Irish World Cup Squad, Stapleton has secured a move to the WSL's West Ham United where she will be joining Irish goalkeeper Megan Walsh.
