Irish League club confirm first January transfer as goalkeeper joins from League of Ireland side
Championship outfit H&W Welders have confirmed their first signing ahead of the January transfer window opening next week with the arrival of goalkeeper Samuel Safaei on loan from Dundalk.
The 20-year-old provided back-up for a large portion of last season at Oriel Park as Dundalk claimed League of Ireland First Division title glory.
Safaei made his sole league appearance of the campaign as a substitute in their final match – a 1-0 victory over Cobh Ramblers which resulted in Ciaran Kilduff’s side finishing 10 points clear at the summit.
He will now hope to gain further senior experience at the Blanchflower Stadium with the Welders, who defeated rivals Dundela 4-0 on Saturday.
Welders manager Paul Kee has shared goalkeeper duties between both Conor Mitchell and Gerard Walker this season – the former has made 14 Championship appearances and latter eight for the Belfast club.
The club posted: “We are delighted to announce signing of Dundalk FC Goalkeeper Samuel Safaei.
“The young stopper is joining us on loan from Dundalk Football Club with an impressive run with Bray Wanderers in previous seasons claiming the club’s Under-20 Player of the Year Award.
“And as of the end of the 2025 Season, the League of Ireland First Division Championship with Dundalk.
“We are looking forward to Safaei joining the squad against Armagh City FC on Saturday 3rd January subject to International Clearance. Welcome on board Sammi!”
The Welders sit in third, nine points adrift of leaders Limavady United and six behind Annagh United, who were beaten 1-0 by Ballinamallard United on Boxing Day.