Drogheda United are reportedly in talks to sign Swansea City striker Josh Thomas on loan, as the Welshman arrives in Derry ahead of a potential move to the League of Ireland. The 23-year-old, who spent a successful loan spell at Drogheda United last season, is understood to be close to completing a move to the Candy Stripes.
What happened?
Thomas, who has been with Swansea since the age of 12, is believed to have arrived in Derry ahead of Monday's training session as the final touches in the proposed loan deal are put in place. The pacey frontman is under contract until this summer with the EFL Championship outfit but has the option of an additional year through to 2027.
Why it matters for Drogheda United
The arrival of Thomas would be a shrewd piece of business by Brandywell boss Tiernan Lynch, who has been busy in the winter transfer window. With former Derry City striker Danny Mullen completing his move to Dundalk at the weekend, the Candy Stripes have been seeking a replacement, and Thomas certainly fits the bill.
What comes next?
Thomas scored on his home debut for Drogheda against Sligo Rovers last February but suffered a setback when tearing his quad in the game, which ruled him out for five months. He returned to score against Crumlin United in the FAI Cup and followed that up with the league winner against Bohemians in August - a goal which made it three goals in just four appearances for the Boynesiders.
In total, the Welshman netted six goals in 17 appearances in all competitions. Thomas has been capped up to U21 level for Wales, playing 10 times for his country at that age group. He also previously spent the first half of the 2023-24 season on loan at Port Vale, after impressing for Swansea’s first team in pre-season, netting five times.
Drogheda United are currently 8th in the Premier Division, with 27 points from 26 games, and are 24 points behind leaders Shamrock Rovers. They have been in good form, unbeaten in their last 5 games, and will look to continue their momentum when they face Galway United away on August 7th.
As the Candy Stripes look to strengthen their squad, the arrival of Thomas would be a significant boost to their chances of success. With his pace and goal-scoring ability, he would be a valuable addition to the team, and would provide a much-needed injection of firepower up front.
