Dundalk Soccer News Update
Zak Johnson Departs Dundalk, Scott McGill Signing Confirmed
Dundalk have suffered a setback as on-loan defender Zak Johnson has returned to his parent club Sunderland. The centre-back has been a standout performer for the Lilywhites this season, playing a key role in the club’s record run of eight consecutive home clean sheets and earning a nomination for the Soccer Writers Ireland Player of the Month in May.
Johnson’s contributions were pivotal in helping new manager Jon Daly initiate a mini-revival. Dundalk had struggled at the start of the season under Stephen O’Donnell and Noel King, languishing at the bottom of the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division table.
Reflecting on his time at Dundalk, Johnson told the Sunderland website, “I have loved every minute of my time here. The lessons in maturity and self-development have been so valuable, they will stay with me for the rest of my life. I am now ready to come back and continue my journey with Sunderland. The key message was to play as many games as possible. That’s the simple part. However, I have done everything to be consistent and bring the best version of myself. I want to thank Dundalk for supporting me throughout. The supporters have also been amazing.”
The 19-year-old will still be available for Dundalk’s next two fixtures: a home match against Waterford this Friday and an away game against Shamrock Rovers next Thursday.
In a positive move for the squad, Daly has strengthened his team with the signing of Scottish midfielder Scott McGill on a permanent deal from Raith Rovers. The 22-year-old, who progressed through the ranks at Hearts and worked with Daly there, has also had loan spells at Airdrie, Kelty Hearts, and Raith, joining the latter permanently in the summer of 2023.

“I can’t wait to get started,” McGill told the Dundalk website. “Jon Daly was a coach at Hearts when I was there and when I spoke to him about coming here he told me exactly what he wants from me and his plans for the second half of the season so it was a no-brainer. I like playing as a number 10 or a number eight, going box-to-box and getting on the ball, so hopefully I can chip in with a couple of goals and assists.”
In other League of Ireland news, St Patrick’s Athletic have announced that Scottish defender Kieran Freeman has had his contract terminated by mutual consent. Freeman made nine appearances for the Saints since joining from Dundee United at the beginning of the season.