REPUBLIC OF IRELAND international duo Jessie Stapleton and Jess Ziu have signed for WSL2 side Leicester City.
Both join from West Ham United on undisclosed fees, with Stapleton committing her future on a three-year contract and Ziu putting pen to paper on a two-year deal.
They link up with Katie Keane and Heather Payne at the Foxes, and become the latest Ireland women’s players on the move in a busy summer of transfers for Carla Ward’s side.
Leicester were relegated from the WSL after a play-off defeat to Charlton Athletic last season, but will be seeking immediate promotion back to the top flight.
Ziu, 24, arrived at West Ham in March 2022 after starring for Shelbourne in the League of Ireland Women’s Premier Division.
The talented midfielder made 23 appearances for the Hammers across an injury-hit stint as she suffered two ACL injuries. Ziu spent the first half of last season on loan with Bristol City in WSL2.
The 19-cap international is now looking to push on as she reinvigorates her professional football career.
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“The plan and structure the club has in place is really exciting,” Ziu told LCFC.com. “I can’t wait to get the jersey on and play in front of all the fans at King Power Stadium.”
Stapleton, 21, arrived at the Hammers in the summer of 2023 – also from Shelbourne – and has since enjoyed loan spells at Reading, Sunderland and Nottingham Forest.
Another Dubliner with huge potential, the 20-cap defender is aiming high at Leicester.
“I’m happy it’s over the line, and I’m excited to get going – this is a club with a lot of ambition,” said Stapleton. “The club can help me grow as a player, and I feel I can help the club back to where it belongs.”
— Shamrock Rovers FC (@ShamrockRovers) July 29, 2026
Meanwhile, Shamrock Rovers have announced the permanent signing of Tunmise Sobowale following an initial loan spell.
Sobowale, 27, originally joined on loan from Scottish Premiership side St Mirren at the start of the season, and has since signed a permanent multi-year contract.
The League of Ireland Men’s Premier Division champions have also confirmed the arrival of Will Fitzgerald from Sligo Rovers, having presented their new addition to the crowd at Tallaght Stadium on Tuesday night.
Elsewhere, Finn Harps have confirmed the appointment of Patrick McEleney as Interim Head Coach for the remainder of the 2026 season.
The 33-year-old had a stellar career as a player, making over 300 appearances for Derry City and Dundalk, winning three Premier Division titles and four FAI Cups during that period.
More recently, McEleney has gained experience as part of the coaching staff at Derry and Ballymena United.
His brother and fellow former Derry City star Shane also joins as assistant manager while continuing his playing career with Ballymena United.
Earlier this week, it was confirmed that club legend Kevin McHugh had stepped down as first team manager and will take up a new position as part of the club’s transition to a professional structure.
Finn Harps are currently bottom of the First Division table after 24 matches.
The Ballybofey outfit also announced the signing of Ciaron Harkin today.
The midfielder joins on loan from Sligo Rovers for the remainder of the season.
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Irish internationals Stapleton and Ziu join Leicester City from West Ham
LAST UPDATE | 40 mins ago
Updated at 18.22
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND international duo Jessie Stapleton and Jess Ziu have signed for WSL2 side Leicester City.
Both join from West Ham United on undisclosed fees, with Stapleton committing her future on a three-year contract and Ziu putting pen to paper on a two-year deal.
They link up with Katie Keane and Heather Payne at the Foxes, and become the latest Ireland women’s players on the move in a busy summer of transfers for Carla Ward’s side.
Leicester were relegated from the WSL after a play-off defeat to Charlton Athletic last season, but will be seeking immediate promotion back to the top flight.
Ziu, 24, arrived at West Ham in March 2022 after starring for Shelbourne in the League of Ireland Women’s Premier Division.
The talented midfielder made 23 appearances for the Hammers across an injury-hit stint as she suffered two ACL injuries. Ziu spent the first half of last season on loan with Bristol City in WSL2.
The 19-cap international is now looking to push on as she reinvigorates her professional football career.
“The plan and structure the club has in place is really exciting,” Ziu told LCFC.com. “I can’t wait to get the jersey on and play in front of all the fans at King Power Stadium.”
Stapleton, 21, arrived at the Hammers in the summer of 2023 – also from Shelbourne – and has since enjoyed loan spells at Reading, Sunderland and Nottingham Forest.
Another Dubliner with huge potential, the 20-cap defender is aiming high at Leicester.
“I’m happy it’s over the line, and I’m excited to get going – this is a club with a lot of ambition,” said Stapleton. “The club can help me grow as a player, and I feel I can help the club back to where it belongs.”
Meanwhile, Shamrock Rovers have announced the permanent signing of Tunmise Sobowale following an initial loan spell.
Sobowale, 27, originally joined on loan from Scottish Premiership side St Mirren at the start of the season, and has since signed a permanent multi-year contract.
The League of Ireland Men’s Premier Division champions have also confirmed the arrival of Will Fitzgerald from Sligo Rovers, having presented their new addition to the crowd at Tallaght Stadium on Tuesday night.
Elsewhere, Finn Harps have confirmed the appointment of Patrick McEleney as Interim Head Coach for the remainder of the 2026 season.
The 33-year-old had a stellar career as a player, making over 300 appearances for Derry City and Dundalk, winning three Premier Division titles and four FAI Cups during that period.
More recently, McEleney has gained experience as part of the coaching staff at Derry and Ballymena United.
His brother and fellow former Derry City star Shane also joins as assistant manager while continuing his playing career with Ballymena United.
Earlier this week, it was confirmed that club legend Kevin McHugh had stepped down as first team manager and will take up a new position as part of the club’s transition to a professional structure.
Finn Harps are currently bottom of the First Division table after 24 matches.
The Ballybofey outfit also announced the signing of Ciaron Harkin today.
The midfielder joins on loan from Sligo Rovers for the remainder of the season.
Additional reporting by Paul Fennessy
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