Cork City sign Kieran Sadlier from Sligo Rovers

Cork City have confirmed the signing of former Republic of Ireland under-21 midfielder Kieran Sadlier from Sligo Rovers on an 18-month contract for an undisclosed fee.

The former West Ham United youth prospect signed for the Bit o' Red ahead of the 2016 season and quickly established himself as one of the club's key players.

He signed an extension to his contract just two months later until the end of the 2017 season but, with just four months remaining on his contract, they accepted City's offer with Dundalk and Limerick also inquiring.

"It's an exciting move for me with Cork's prospects in the league and European football, but I am sad to leave Sligo Rovers,” Sadlier told the Bit o' Red's official website.

"Sligo gave me a chance when I really needed to play football after coming here from England. Since I have walked in the door everyone has been so welcoming and treated me so well.

“I'm at a point in my career when I want to win trophies and be successful. When I sat down and thought about the interest in me from other clubs, I felt I had to come to this decision.”

Reunited for a few weeks  https://t.co/zPLeILGohM

— Seani Maguire (@Seani_Maguire_) July 3, 2017

Sadlier began his career in the underage ranks with West Ham but left the club in 2015 without making an appearance, joining Scottish Premiership side St Mirren.

From there, he moved to Peterborough United, where he worked under manager Dave Robertson, and he followed Robertson to Ireland when the Londoner was appointed Sligo boss.

"It's not a decision we have taken lightly but it's one we felt necessary when an acceptable offer came in from Cork City,” added Sligo chairman Martin Heraghty.

"With just four months left on Kieran's contract and undoubtedly huge interest to come in him as a free agent, we feel this deal gives Gerard [Lytle] a chance to shape the squad how he wants and bring in some new talent to The Showgrounds.”