Linfield and Larne have concluded a high-profile swap deal with Marty Donnelly heading to the Blues and Navid Nasseri on his way to Inver Park.
Donnelly, 32, was confirmed as David Healy’s latest signing on Monday night, four weeks after being placed on the transfer list by the East Antrim club.
Heading in the opposite direction is Manchester-born winger Nasseri who joined Linfield last August, less than 24 hours after helping Big Two rivals Glentoran lift the Irish Cup.
On signing a two year contract with Linfield, Donnelly said: “After speaking with David Healy, I’ve been really excited about the prospect of joining the club. I’m buzzing to be here.
“This is a great opportunity for me and one I'm determined to make the most of, by making a positive contribution to Linfield over the duration of my contract.”
Healy believes Donnelly, who turns 33 later this month, will bring goals and creativity as Linfield bid to win the league title for a fourth successive year next season.
The veteran playmaker, who won two league titles with Cliftonville before joining Larne in 2017, is a dead ball specialist and scored 11 goals for the Inver reds last season.
In two top-flight campaigns with Larne, following the club’s promotion to the Danske Bank Premiership in 2019, Donnelly chipped in with 24 goals in all competitions.
Healy said: “Martin has a wealth of experience, he can play in various positions and he is a player I’ve known for a long time and admired from afar.
“He’s in good shape, has a thoroughly professional attitude and will readily fit in with our new full time structure. He is an enthusiastic lad who will offer us a lot, on and off the pitch.”
Meanwhile, Nasseri is relishing the prospect of being part of “exciting” times at Larne who have been busy in the summer transfer market.
Former Coleraine midfielder Ben Doherty, goalkeeper Rohan Ferguson and defensive pair Cian Bolger and Kofi Balmer have all joined the harbour club during the off-season.
“The ambitions of the club, as well as the developments on and off the pitch is exciting,” said Nasseri.
“The brand of football played here is great and hopefully I can play my part in bringing more success to the club.”
Larne boss Tiernan Lynch added: “Navid is obviously a player known to us for some time and we are delighted to bring him to the club.
“He is technically a very good player and someone we feel should add to the quality already at the club, in the attacking area of the pitch.
“Our fans have seen him play in the Irish League for the last two seasons and I have no doubt they will be delighted to see him a red jersey from now on.”
Larne kick-off the new Danske Bank Premiership campaign at home to Coleraine on Friday, August 27, while Linfield face Crusaders at Windsor Park on August 28.
