Derry City have confirmed that Patrick McEleney is returning to the Brandywell after signing a pre-contract.
McEleney, who starred for Dundalk in their 4-0 Europa League win over Newtown on Thursday evening, has signed on a two-year deal with an option for a third.
The Candystripes have said that the 28-year-old will join the club when his current contract with Dundalk expires.
But with six months remaining on his contract at Oriel Park, Derry are hoping to negotiate for McEleney’s release during the July transfer window.
McEleney made 225 appearances for Derry before first joining Dundalk in 2015.
On either side of a short stint at Oldham Athletic, McEleney won three League titles with the Lilywhites and the FAI Cup twice.
It is a major coup for Derry City boss Ruaidhri Higgins, who coached McEleney for three years at Dundalk after playing with him at Derry from 2011 to 2013.
Higgins said: “I’m looking forward to working with Patrick again and we’re delighted to be bringing one of the best players in the country back to his hometown club.
“I think it’s really exciting news for our supporters, for myself and for the club.”
