With the summer Transfer Window well and truly underway, Irish fans will be paying close attention to any possible moves for our Boys in Green. After a bland few years of underwhelming transfers for Irish internationals, there has certainly an upturn in the last couple of seasons.
We look at five Irishmen and their ideal moves this summer.
Nathan Collins (Brentford to Tottenham Hotspur)
Perhaps a cliched link given the relationship between Thomas Frank and Nathan Collins, but the reality is that a move to North London could be key to Collins continued trajectory. Matt Doherty and Nuno Esprito Santo proved that a player/manager reunion at a different club does not always work out, ironically, at the same club. However, Collins seems to be constantly improving despite already having 3 clubs at 24 and European football should be next on the agenda for the Leixlip man.
Jason Knight (Bristol City to Everton)
Having finally nailed down a regular position, Jason Knight showed that he is a composed and intelligent midfielder, skippering Bristol City to the brink of the Premier League. At 24, he possess more experience than some of his elders and many have begged the question if a step up to the Premier League is possible. Everton are seemingly interested, albeit not overenthusiastically but David Moyes has a proven track record of bringing second tier players to the top flight and developing them into comfortable operators.
Evan Ferguson (Brighton to Everton)
After a season to forget for the Meathman, Evan Ferguson will be keen to get some consistent gametime at a decent level to showcase his genuine talent. PSV and Celtic have been mentioned in recent weeks and these two clubs could allow his to rebuild and get back among the goals in similar style to Troy Parrot following his Eredivisie move. Everton have been mentioned as a possible destination for the youngster and with the club entering an exciting new era in their Docklands stadium, Ferguson can potentially be one of the faces of the clubs for years to come.
Kasey McAteer (Leicester City to Sunderland)
Despite missing the majority of Leicester’s brief Premier League return, Kasey McAteer ended the season with some impressive performances, demonstrating the form that had the likes of Newcastle and Crystal Palace interested. The winger came very close to a January move to Sunderland and in hindsight, this would have seen promotion to the Premier League. Sunderland are certainly in a stronger potion now than January when it comes to transfers, but it will be interesting if they revisit their interest in McAteer given that he was clearly a player they felt would suit the club.
Finn Azaz (Middlesbrough to Bournemouth)
Another Irish Championship midfielder tipped for a Premier League move, Finn Azaz’s fantastic season with Middlesbrough has seen him linked with Bournemouth and Crystal Palace. A move to the FA Cup winners may be favoured by Azaz but having seen the quality produced by Andoni Iraola last season, it is hard not to imagine he would take Azaz up a further level as a player with Bournemouth. Azaz has the technical nuance needed to cope in the top flight and having emerged as a key player in the Ireland squad, will certainly hope to secure his place by operating in the top flight. Palace however, would offer European football and should they sell Eberechi Eze, Azaz could come in as a direct replacement.