Dundalk captain Chris Shields ends nine-year stint at Oriel Park as Lilywhites agree fee with Linfield

Chris Shields of Dundalk in action for Dundalk during a 2019 United the Union Cup game with Linfield at Windsor Park.

Shields in action for Dundalk during a 2019 United the Union Cup game with Linfield at Windsor Park. Credit: Clare McCahill (ETPhotos)

Irish Premiership champions Linfield have announced the signing of Dundalk captain Chris Shields on a three-year deal after reaching agreement on an undisclosed fee with the Lilywhites.

The 30-year-old will join the Blues upon the opening of the transfer window on July 1st, bringing to an end a hugely successful nine-year spell with the County Louth club.

Shields, who was the club’s longest-serving player, was signed by the late Sean McCaffrey ahead of the 2012 season from Bray Wanderers.

Shields, a product of schoolboy club St Francis, would go on to win five Premier Division titles at Oriel Park under Vinny Perth and current Ireland manager Stephen Kenny.

He also won one Leinster Senior Cup, three FAI Cups and three EA Sports Cups during his nine-and-a-half-year stint, as well as being named in the PFAI team of the year in 2018 and 2020.

"I’m delighted to sign for such a historic club like Linfield,” the Clondalkin native said upon confirmation of the move north.

“I know the demands for success at the club and I’m hoping to help meet them. I can’t wait to meet the team now and get going with the start of the European campaign just around the corner.”

Shields was part of both Dundalk’s Europa League group stage campaigns, in 2016 and 2019, and leaves Oriel Park one of the most decorated players in the club’s history.

He makes the move to Belfast as Linfield prepare to defend their title for the third successive year, beginning with a Champions League tie against Zalgiris of Lithuania next month.

Blues manager David Healy added: “He's a very good footballer who will fit in well and quickly with our squad.



“He's a vastly experienced player who knows many of our players well and he knows all about the expectations at our club.

“He's enjoyed success south of the border and he's determined to try and help us achieve more success in our league.

“I know he's really looking forward to meeting up with our players and joining in with our preparations for our Champions League campaign.

“I'm grateful to the board for their backing with this major signing and I've no doubt he will make a significant contribution to the club for the duration of his contract with us.

“I'm really looking forward to working with Chris on the training pitch and I've no doubt his experience will be invaluable with our younger players, on and off the pitch.

“I know he will receive a warm welcome from our supporters who will be delighted to learn of this signing of a top quality player.”



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