Linfield season preview
- Published
2024-25 League position: Champions
Manager: David Healy
Opening fixtures: Dungannon Swifts (H) - 10 August; Ballymena United (A) - 15 August (live on BBC iPlayer); Carrick Rangers (A) - 19 August; Cliftonville (H) - 23 August; Coleraine (A) - 29 August (live on BBC iPlayer)
After finishing 22 points ahead of Larne last season, the 2025-26 campaign is all about Linfield preserving their place at the Irish Premiership summit.
Of course, the Blues have a proven track record of maintaining their superiority, having won four titles in a row before Larne broke through in 2023.
Linfield boss David Healy - who will celebrate 10 years at Windsor Park in October - must, however, mount a title defence without some star names, chiefly reigning player of the year Joel Cooper and Stephen Fallon, both of whom have joined Coleraine.
The Blues have added defender Sean Brown following his release from Larne, with Healy admitting his squad was not in "dire need" of additions, but a longer campaign in Europe may change that if Linfield qualify for the Uefa Conference League.
2025-26 signings so far: Sean Brown (Larne), Matt Yates (Stenhousemuir), Sam Taylor (loan, Tranmere Rovers)
2025-26 departures so far: Joel Cooper, Stephen Fallon (both Coleraine), Darragh McBrien (Dungannon Swifts), Ethan Devine (H&W Welders), Rhys McGarry (Ballyclare Comrades), Kalum Thompson (Nottingham Forest), Liam Burns (Bangor)