The Irish Winners and Losers of the January Transfer Window

The January transfer window, the most difficult month for clubs, managers, and players.

Clubs are reluctant to sell, clubs are reluctant to buy due to inflated prices, but fans are never happy with their clubs just allowing the window to go by without any business being done. 

Owners are caught between a rock and a hard place. It’s a game of chess between the clubs which usually means deals do not get completed until the final days of the window, to the annoyance of football fans.

Over the past month there was plenty of Irish players on the move whether it was for greener pastures or to seek more minutes on a temporary basis. 

However, there was also Irish players who did not seal a transfer when one would have been advisable. 

Extratime.com looks back at which Irish players are winners and losers of the latest transfer window. 

Winners

1. Joe Hodge 

The U-21 Irish international had a breakthrough year at Wolves last season under Julen Lopetegui, but the Spaniard left on the eve of the Premier League campaign and the midfielder has struggled for game time under new boss Gary O’Neil. 

Hodge was injured at the beginning of the season which hampered his chances of Premier League minutes this term.

A deadline day move to QPR, albeit who are struggling at the bottom of the Championship, is a great opportunity for the 21-year-old to get more games under his belt. 

In an area where the Republic of Ireland team has struggled for over a decade, Hodge’s progression as a footballer to reach his potential is crucial for future of the Irish midfield. 

2. Mikey Johnston

The skilful winger has been back involved at Celtic this season after the return of Brendan Rodgers last summer.

Johnston has appeared 12 times for the Glasgow club and has been on the scoresheet twice. However, most of these appearances were from the bench. 

The 24-year-old needed a move away from Parkhead to secure regular first team action.

Late on deadline day, Johnston joined promotion chasing West Bromwich Albion which on paper looks a good move playing under an attacking coach like Carlos Corberan. 

In 2023, the Glasweigan has showed flashes of his ability in an Irish jersey. If he was to find consistent first team football, the talented winger could have a big year on the pitch for club and country. 

3. Michael Obafemi

In 2022, it finally looked like the Dublin born striker was starting to find his groove for club and country. He was flying for Russell Martin’s Swans, becoming a constant source for goals, while we all can remember that wonderful June day when Obafemi took apart the Scottish defence in 3-0 rout in the Aviva Stadium. 

Since then, Obafemi has been marred with discipline issues, injuries, and loss a form. A move to Burnley last January failed to re-ignite his stalling career. Another move was much needed in this transfer window. 

Thankfully a transfer did materialise in the shape of a loan to Championship outfit Millwall. Obafemi is 24 later this year so regular first team football is required for the striker; the key is whether the former Southampton forward can stay injury free. 

Losers

1. Caoimhín Kelleher

Kelleher’s talent is obvious for everyone to see. There is a reason why Jürgen Klopp calls the Corkman “the best number-two in the world”. But when does he transition from being a supporting cast member to a main star?

Kelleher is 26 years old this year and has only ever made 33 club appearances throughout his career. 

This is remarkably low when you compare those stats to his competition for the Irish number one jersey, Gavin Bazunu, who in contrast has made 150 club appearances at the age of 21. 

In the FA Cup last weekend, a competition that you’d expect Kelleher to get more game time, Allison was chosen between the sticks as Liverpool progressed to the next round defeating Norwich. 

Kelleher needs to leave Liverpool to realise his potential. A late bid in the window from Nottingham Forest was rebuffed by The Reds, but Kelleher may need to begin the process of forcing a move away from the club when the summer comes around. 

2. Mark Travers

The Maynooth man can count himself unlucky this season. In the summer, he had completed a season long loan to Stoke City and was established as first choice for the season, making 14 appearances for the Potters. 

However, disaster struck when he was recalled to Bournemouth for cover after an injury to Neto in October. 

Travers has made sporadic appearances in the cup since returning, but not getting to secure a transfer last month will see the 24-year-old not get much football between now and the summer. 

Similar to Kelleher, a permanent move in the next transfer window would be best for the goalkeeper to secure consistent first team football. 

3. James Abankwah

The Republic of Ireland U-21 international has struggled to make an impact since arriving in Italy. 

After transferring to Udinese to link up with Festy Ebosele in 2022, the young defender has only made two appearances for the Serie A side, both of which came last campaign.

A loan to League One side Charlton at the start of the season looked a great opportunity for the former St. Patrick’s Athletic star to shine but his loan deal was terminated after making just three appearances. 

No transfer materialised this window for Abankwah. The centre back will need to be patient and may look to take inspiration from his Irish compatriot Ebosele to try earn a place in the I Bianconeri side between now and the rest of the season. 

Legendary Irish Kitman Charlie O’Leary turns 100 https://t.co/oR4rA6uSBzpic.twitter.com/SbmtGM5Qse

— Extratime.com (@ExtratimeNews) February 2, 2024