Sligo Rovers sign Quirk, Jaros heads to Ajax

Former St Patrick's Athletic loanee Vitezslav Jaros has been loaned out to Dutch giants Ajax by Liverpool for next season.

The Czech international goalkeeper, who helped Pat's to FAI Cup glory in 2021, put pen to paper on a new deal at Liverpool but will spend the 2025-26 campaign at Ajax where former Reds assistant Johnny Heitinga has been appointed as head coach.

Jaros made his Premier League debut last October in a 1-0 win over Crystal Palace, coming on as a substitute for the injured Alisson Becker and with Republic of Ireland and now-Brentford keeper Caoimhin Kelleher unavailable through illness.

Seb Quirke (r) with Sligo Rovers manager John Russell

Seb Quirk will join Sligo Rovers on an 18-month contract from Accrington Stanley.

The 23-year-old will officially move to Sligo on 1 July when his contract at the League 1 club expires.

Quirk is primarily a central midfielder but can operate as a full-back on either side.

The Liverpool native spent two and-a-half seasons with Accrington Stanley where he played over 40 league games in League 1 and League 2.

Quirk came up through Everton's academy where he first signed at the age of 11.

He joined Stanley in 2023 where he worked under now Waterford boss John Coleman.

The club did not retain his services following the 2024/2025, allowing Sligo to pounce.

Quirk said: "I jumped on a Zoom call with John Russell a few weeks ago, spoke to him and I liked what he had to say so it seemed like a good place for me to come.

"I'm athletic, I can get around the pitch quite well, I like a tackle.

"I don't really do too many fancy things, I keep it simple and give it to the forward players who can do all of that.

"I've always been versatile really, even at Everton. I was always moved about because I'm quite tall and athletic. Last year I played left-back most of the year, in previous seasons I've played right back and central midfielder."

Seb Quirk spent the last two seasons in the English Football League

Russell says he has been keeping an eye on Quirk's progress in recent years, and believes it is a big addition to the club as they battled to avoid relegation from the Premier Division

The Sligo boss explained: "I've known about Seb for a couple of seasons, I actually saw him playing live for Everton's Under-23s, they were playing in an international cup at the time, I was over on a visit at Everton.

"He caught my eye in that game, there were probably two or players I was keeping an eye on since then.

"I think his profile will suit our league in terms of his physicality, he's a central midfielder by trade but can also play full-back.

"Having that versatility with a small squad will be massively beneficial for us.

"He's a big boy, he's over six foot. He's physical, he covers the ground.

"It's the physical side that we need to get that balance with our group, we hope he's going to make a big impact."

Russell is looking to bring in more players, knowing it's an uphill task to get out of the bottom two.

"It's important that we strengthen the squad, we know we need to improve our league position and I definitely think bringing in quality players raises the level and standards within the group and helps us win matches.

"We haven't won enough games this year, I think the likes of Seb coming in early so he can train with the group so he's ready come 1 July will be a big help."

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