Brighton and Hove Albion are to continue their Irish recruitment drive by signing Dundalk defender Vinnie Leonard for an upfront fee of €400,000. Read More FAI confirm appointment of Gary Cronin as Ireland WNT's assistant coachKeogh’s transfer to the Amex last August banked Dundalk a club record fee but this deal eclipses that. Arriving at the Co Louth club from Torro United, Leonard lined out for the Lilywhites from U14 level before breaking into the first-team in 2024. As Leonard doesn’t turn 18 until March, he’ll begin the season at Dundalk. Brighton could either take him into pre-season in July or allow him see out the season at Dundalk on loan.

Source: Irish Examiner January 20, 2026 13:21 UTC