Quite a number of Northern Ireland players were on the move over the close season and with the new campaign now upon us we take a look at where they will be plying their trade over the next nine months.
Burnley goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell ended his five year association with club by signing a four-year deal with League One outfit Birmingham City.
Speaking to the club website Bailey said: “It is a big club first of all and I love playing for something where you have got the pressure – and we will have that pressure and expectation.
“We are at the start of a journey,” he added. “A very, hopefully, positive journey, and I want to be a part of that to achieve the goals and ambitions that the Club have and they align with myself.”
Another keeper, Luke Southwood, turned down a new deal with Cheltenham Town to link up with Eoin Toal and Dion Charles at Bolton Wanderers while teenage netminder Mason Munn penned a new four-year contract with Scottish Premiership side Rangers.
Elsewhere, Northern Ireland legend Jonny Evans decided to extend his stay at Premier League giants Manchester United for another twelve months while Sunderland’s Daniel Ballard ended speculation about his immediate future by signing a deal which will see him remain at the Stadium of Light until 2028.
Defender Paddy McNair penned a three-year contract MLS side San Diego FC though he was immediately loaned out to Championship side West Bromwich Albion where he will stay until January.
Speaking of his move McNair said: “Joining San Diego FC is an exciting new chapter in my career. When I first heard of San Diego, I had this gut feeling of excitement to play outside of England and have a chance to play in MLS.
“It’s going to be very special to be a part of history. I look forward to bringing my experience to the team and building a team San Diego can be proud of.”
Former Linfield striker Shayne Lavery moved to League One Cambridge United after being released by Blackpool and his international colleague Josh Magennis will be turning out for Exeter City this season after being let go by Wigan Athletic.
Twenty-two year old midfielder Chris Conn-Clarke, who scored 22 goals for National League side Altrincham last term, secured a move back to the Football League by penning a four-year deal with League One Peterborough United.
Northern Ireland U21 international JJ McKiernan will also be playing League One football this term after leaving League Two Morecambe, while midfielder Cameron McGeehan rejected a new contract at Colchester United to link up with Northampton Town.
Former assistant to the national side Stephen Robinson, now manager at St Mirren, snapped up ex-Dungannon Swifts midfielder Oisin Smyth from Oxford United and he made an immediate impression by scoring twice on his league debut for the club.
Meanwhile, the West Ham United trio of Michael Forbes, Patrick Kelly and Callum Marshall have been loaned out for the season to Bristol Rovers, Doncaster Rovers and Huddersfield Town respectively to gain valuable first-team experience.
Likewise, under 19 international Tom Atcheson, has been allowed to leave Blackburn Rovers to link up on loan with non-league Marine until the new year.
There has also been plenty of transfer activity among members of Tanya Oxtoby’s senior international panel over the past couple of months.
The Glentoran duo of Kerry Beattie and Joely Andrews both signed two-year deals with SWPL side Hearts as did former reading striker Lauren Wade.
Also moving to the SWPL is Northern Ireland skipper Laura Rafferty who made the switch from Southampton to Rangers on a two-year contract.
Experienced goalkeeper Jackie Burns will be playing her football this season with Bristol City in the Championship following her departure from Reading and Caragh Hamilton has moved from Lewes to Nottingham Forest who play in the National League North.
Finally, good luck to the following players who have all progressed through the IFA Academy to join clubs across the water in England & Scotland this summer.
Sean Corry (Derby County)
George Feeney (Tottenham Hotspur)
Alfie Friars (Derby County)
Josh Gracey (Wolverhampton Wanderers)
Braiden Graham (Everton)
Scott Hamilton (Nottingham Forest)
Darragh McCann (Ipswich Town)
Noah McDonnell (Aberdeen)
Ceadach O’Neill (Arsenal)
Troy Savage (Burnley)
