Crusaders transfer window review
- Published
2024-25 league position: 6th
Manager: Declan Caddell
Next five fixtures: Coleraine (H) - 6 September; Dungannon Swifts (A) - 13 September; Larne (A) - 16 September; Ballymena United (H) - 20 September; Glenavon (A) - 27 September
It has been a busy summer at Crusaders, who look to be rebuilding after an inconsistent first season under Declan Caddell.
As they did last year, the north Belfast side have brought a lot of players in from clubs in Scotland, hoping to unearth the next Kieran Offord, who was a revelation during his six-month spell at the club.
Fraser Bryden's early season form indicated that they may have found their Offord replacement as he has four goals in four games whilst Adam Brooks and Elliot Dunlop have also impressed in helping Crusaders add more pace and creativity going forward.
It is at the other end where the Crues have struggled so far this season, shipping too many goals.
Goalkeeper Musa Dibaga has already lost his place to Jonny Tuffey after some early mistakes whilst they will hope Evan Easton, signed on loan from Sheffield United can replace the Daniel Larmour shaped hole in their defence.
They have lost some experienced players with the likes of Billy Joe Burns, Jimmy Callacher, Larmour and Philip Lowry departing, but Kurtis Forsythe is a shrewd addition, and Finley Thorndike has the potential to shine with regular game time.
They still look a couple of defenders short as they aim to stop conceding so many goals and retain their place in the top six.
2025-26 signings so far: Kurtis Forsythe (Carrick Rangers), Kieran McKechnie (Arbroath), Finley Thorndike (Glentoran), Brandon Hamilton (Aberdeen), Musa Dibaga (Inverness), Adam Brooks (Queen of the South), Elliot Dunlop (Airdrie), Fraser Bryden (Ayr United), Evan Easton (Sheffield United - loan)
2025-26 departures so far: Jordan Stewart (Glentoran), Billy Joe Burns, Jimmy Callacher, Adam Lecky (all Carrick Rangers), Billy Vance (unattached), Ryan Kerr (unattached), Mal Smith (Dungannon Swifts), Philip Lowry (Limavady United), Alex King (Airdrie), Harry Franklin (Connah's Quay Nomads), Daniel Larmour (Glentoran), Josh O'Connor (East Kilbride)