Shelbourne player Jad Hakiki has signed deal with Dundalk FC

The attacking midfielder, who turned 20 last week, played with Shelbourne’s MU17 and MU19 sides and made his League of Ireland debut for the club in March 2022. 

In total, Hakiki, who has represented the Republic of Ireland at U18 level, made 40 first-team appearances for Shelbourne, six of them coming in the league this season.

“When Jon Daly spoke to me, I was keen to come here straight away,” said Hakiki, who will wear the number 40 shirt at Oriel Park.

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“He told me how he sees me playing here, which I liked, and since he’s come in at Dundalk, results have been going well and things are moving forward and I want to be a part of that."

Hakiki turned 20 last week and he said he is at the point in his career now where he is ready to kick on and become an established first-team player.

“I feel that this is a chance for me to improve myself and play regularly and that's what I want to do at Dundalk," he said.

"I hope I can entertain the fans here. That’s the sort of player I am, I want to create chances and score goals and provide assists and, hopefully, the fans take a liking to me."

Hakiki trained with the Dundalk squad for the first time on Monday and he said he was excited by his new surroundings.

“The lads have all been great. I came in the door and they have all been welcoming and friendly, which is what you want from a group. I’m delighted to be here and I'm just looking forward to playing now.”

Hakiki's signing follows on from the earlier arrivals of Scottish midfielder Scott McGill and New Zealand winger Norman Garbett last week.