The Imps have announced the capture of Irish international Josh Honohan from Shamrock Rovers.
As reported earlier in the week, a short statement has confirmed that we have finally landed our long-term target, who was first linked with the club in the summer.
“City can confirm an agreement to sign Josh Honohan, who will join the club on the opening of the January transfer window.
“Honohan’s permanent transfer from the League of Ireland side Shamrock Rovers is subject to EFL approval and international clearance.”
Honohan, called up to the Ireland squad twice but not yet capped, is a 24-year-old left back and a two-time PFAI Team of the Season member. He arrives at Sincil Bank as a league and cup double winner with Shamrock.
He will not be eligible for the New Year’s Day clash with Huddersfield Town, so he will likely be seen by Imps fans for the first time when we host Peterborough United on January 4th.
Josh Honohan
Honohan’s capture has been something City have been targeting for a while now. Jez George was over in Ireland watching the FAI Cup final, a game in which Harry Nevin was sent off for going in over the top on our new boy. With the game poised at 0-0, that moment ultimately cost Cork City the cup.
All in, Honohan finished 2025 with seven goals and eight assists for Shamrock, with a European goal against Ballkani included in that total. Comfortable as a left wing back or left back, he was top of the club’s wishlist in the summer, reportedly, and we’ve actively ensured we’re ahead of the curve to secure his services this winter.
Reported fee
While the fee widely reported in Ireland is €500,000 (£440,000), it is my understanding that is the top fee with add-ons, rather than a base payment. Either way, it represents another significant step in terms of recruitment and comes after a window where we saw a club-record fee paid for Ivan Varfolomeev.
Josh joins Jack Moylan, James Collins and Oisin Gallagher in bumping the Irish contingent back up to four, and his capture follows success with the likes of Sean Roughan, Anthony Scully and Dylan Duffy in the past.