Waterford are close to finding an agreement to sign former Irish international Kevin Long
Dan McDonnell revealed that the free agent could be returning to the League of Ireland over 16 years after leaving Cork City for Burnley. If all goes to plan the deal could go through this week.
Kevin Long close to a League of Ireland return with Waterford – 16 years after he left the LOI and Cork City to join Burnley. Free agent since finishing with Toronto at end of last MLS season. Deal could go through this week if all goes to plan. Story @IndoSport
— Daniel McDonnell (@McDonnellDan) March 11, 2026
Long brings a wealth of experience having played in all four of England’s professional leagues, notably making 48 Premier League appearances. The central defender was also capped 17 times by Ireland, scoring one goal in a friendly against Bulgaria.
Long has spent the last two years playing in the MLS for Toronto FC, making 59 appearances during that time.
If he were to sign, Long would be the sixth former Irish international to be actively playing in the Premier Division, joining James McClean, Enda Stevens, Daryl Horgan, Graham Burke and Jack Byrne.
Waterford had the second worst defence in the Premier Division in 2025, conceding 1.65 goals per game and only keeping 5 clean sheets across the campaign.
Jon Daly will hope that the addition of the 35 year-old Cork man will add the solidity that The Blues lacked in 2025 and the early stages of 2026.
The Munster based club sit bottom of the table after five matches with just two points.