DFC | Dundalk FC swoop to land Seagulls winger Dylan Connolly

22-year-old arrives from Bray on a two-and-a-half year deal

After weeks of speculation, Dundalk have announced the signing of Bray Wanderers winger Dylan Connolly.

The 22-year-old will put pen to paper on a two-and-a-half year deal at the SSE Airtricity League champions when the transfer window opens on July 1st.

It is believed that Dundalk have paid Bray somewhere in the region of €35,000 for Connolly’s services with the fee set to rise to €40,000 with add ons.

The Seagulls will also retain a sell-on clause and pocket a portion of any future transfer fee if Connolly leaves Oriel Park.

Dundalk have until next Thursday, July 6th to register Connolly in time for the upcoming Champions League tie with Rosenborg.

Connolly’s arrival means that Stephen Kenny has finally landed a long-term target.

The Lilywhites boss did try and sign Connolly at the end of last season but withdrew his interest after the Dubliner signed a new contract at The Carlisle Grounds.

“Dylan indicated he was out of contract and we were given the impression he was too but when it emerged he had another year left Bray said they didn’t want to sell. We didn’t enter any negotiations with them,” were Kenny’s words at the time.

The transfer represents the biggest in the League of Ireland since Eamon Zayed’s €80,000 switch from Bray Wanderers to Drogheda United nine years ago.

Ironically, Dundalk meet Bray Wanderers at The Carlisle Grounds on Friday night.