With increased investment across Northern Ireland’s top-flight, clubs are now casting their net wider when it comes to recruitment and can value previous Irish League experience as they assess targets.
Here's a list of 10 players who have spent time at Irish League clubs and are currently available on free transfers having departed their teams in England and Scotland.
5. Sam Taylor
Sam Taylor has been released by Tranmere Rovers after spending the season on loan at Linfield. The 22-year-old scored two goals in 26 Premiership appearances for the Blues and also started in their BetMcLean Cup final win over Glentoran in March. Photo: INPHO/Jonathan Porter
6. Evan Easton
Scottish defender Evan Easton spent last season on loan at Crusaders from Sheffield United and has now been released by the Championship club. The 21-year-old made 23 league appearances for Declan Caddell's side last term as they preserved Premiership status. Photo: INPHO/Stephen Hamilton
7. Aaran Pettifer
Stockport-born Aaran Pettifer came through the ranks at Bolton Wanderers before joining Cliftonville in 2024 from St Patrick's Athletic. He made 20 Premiership appearances during the 2024/25 campaign and left for Arbroath. The 22-year-old midfielder was most recently at Kelty Hearts, where he scored twice in 14 league games after signing in January. Photo: ©INPHO/Presseye/Declan Roughan
8. Dale Gorman
Former Northern Ireland U21 international Dale Gorman has been released by Woking, where he was appointed interim manager in March 2026 prior to Jermain Defoe's arrival. The 29-year-old, who has also been on the books of Stevenage, Leyton Orient, Yeovil Town and Barnet, spent one season with Glentoran in 2020/21, playing 24 times in the Premiership. Photo: INPHO/Presseye/Stephen Hamilton