The Irishman is Dundee United's first signing of the window.
12:00, 15 Jan 2026Updated 19:42, 15 Jan 2026
Jim Goodwin has finally landed Neil Farrugia for Dundee United at the second time of asking.
The Irishman became United’s first signing of the window, when the former Barnsley defender penned a two-and-a-half year deal at Tannadice. Goodwin first tried to land his fellow Irishman when he was coming out-of-contract at Shamrock Rovers but he moved to England.
“I’ve liked Neil for a long time,” the United boss confirmed. “When he was at Shamrock Rovers a couple of seasons ago, I tried to bring him to the club. He got a good move down to Barnsley in England. He’s had great success in the League of Ireland. He won numerous league titles and trophies with them. He’s exactly the profile that we're looking for in terms of what our recruitment strategy has been, in terms of adding athleticism and pace."
The new boy will also bring in a versatility and width to the Terrors. “He’s a player that can play a number of different positions as well," Goodwin explained. “He’s played in the wing-back positions in the past for Shamrock Rovers when needed, but he's more of an offensive player.
"He can play either side of the front three, on the left or on the right. He’s a very intelligent player, you know, picks up some good pockets. He's got a good turn of pace. He'll be a really important player for us going into the second half of the season.”
The United chief continued to keep close tabs on Farrugia and when he found out that there was a chance he could be available, he made his move.
Goodwin, who takes on Ayr United in the Scottish Cup this weekend, stated: “We’re always keeping an eye on the players that we like.
"I mean, it didn't work out for him down the road at Barnsley, but his record in the League of Ireland kind of speaks for itself. He’s been one of the star performers over there with Shamrock Rovers for a number of years.
“It was a no-brainer for us when we knew he was going to be available. It was a no-brainer for us to try and get the deal done. He's a really good age. He's still got a lot of development to do in terms of where we think there are certain areas of his game that we can, that he can get better at. But, you know, in terms of a good player that's played a number of good senior games and been involved in European competitions and he'll do really well in Scotland.”
The French-born player will join his ex-Barnsley teammate, Max Watters, at Tannadice. His new boss confirmed: “He knows Max from his time there. I mean, obviously, Neil only joined in the summer and their paths only crossed for a short period, but they know each other. Neil also knows a few of the lads that play up here anyway, a few of the other Irish lads.”
Goodwin has had a lot of success with players who have made the breakthrough in Ireland and he has taken over to Scotland.
He stated: “The League of Ireland has been, there's been some good success stories coming out of the League of Ireland. Liam Scales of Shamrock Rovers as well. As you know, Jamie McGrath I brought over from Dundalk and Conor McCarthy from Cork.
“So, there's been a number of good players that have come out of the League of Ireland, and it's getting better every year. The quality over there is, you know, very, very strong. I’m sure Neil will show the United supporters why we've brought him here and the quality that he's going to bring to the group.”