Dundalk back-up goalkeeper Gabriel Sava has called time on his five-year spell at Oriel Park, announcing on Thursday afternoon that he was leaving for pastures new.
The 32-year-old Italian-born netminder joined the Lilywhites from Drogheda United ahead of the 2014 campaign and went on to make 52 appearances, most notably in the 2–1 win against Hajduk Split in Croatia that season and the Europa League group stage defeat to Zenit St Petersburg in Tallaght two years later.
Sava confirmed his decision on social media, saying that “it was a pleasure to share a dressing room with so many great players and a wonderful backroom team.”
His departure has intensified speculation that Warrenpoint Town goalkeeper Aaron McCarey is on his way to Dundalk to challenge Gary Rogers for the number one shirt next season.
The former Wolves and Portsmouth goalkeeper was named in the Republic of Ireland squad for the friendly with Turkey in March and Warrenpoint manager Stephen McDonnell expects to lose the 26-year-old in January.
“Aaron is top class,” McDonnell told the BBC. “He is hot property and probably the best keeper in the league in my opinion. He has everything on his side in terms of his age and pedigree. He won’t be with us for too much longer. He will no doubt be moving on to bigger and better things, but we are delighted to have him even if it is for the short term.”
Meanwhile, midfielder Georgie Poynton — who is out of contract at Oriel Park and on the PFAI transfer list — is said to be attracting interest from Bohemians, Waterford and St Patrick’s Athletic.
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