Bastien Hery is to leave Waterford FC for Linfield.
The midfielder, who joined the Blues ahead of the 2018 season, has joined the Danske Bank Premiership side on a permanent deal for an undisclosed fee
Manager Alan Reynolds paid tribute to Hery adding that losing out on the European place has hit them hard and that there is a fallout from that.
Meanwhile, striker Michael O'Connor joins Waterford FC on loan as part of the deal.
The 20-year-old who previously played for Dundalk, Shamrock Rovers and Finn Harps will remain with the Blues until the end of the season.
O’Connor scored 12 goals for Linfield last season. The club are awaiting clearance for Michael ahead of Saturday’s game.
Speaking to WaterfordFC.ie after signing, Michael O’Connor said:
"I’m absolutely delighted to be here, it’s a different challenge for me and I just can’t wait to get going. I know some of the lads already from being in with the Irish U21s and being around the league before. There’s been a really good intensity to training so I’m looking forward to Saturday now.
"I’ve been really impressed with the everything since I’ve come in, the facilities are really good, and the pitch is excellent. I spoke to Rennie and I like the way he wants his teams to play so I just can’t wait to get on the pitch."
Frenchman Hery established himself in the league with Limerick, before going on to become a popular member of the Waterford FC squad. Hery spent five seasons in England having started his career at the PSG youth academy. He played 20 league matches this season.
Speaking to WaterfordFC.ie after his move to Linfield was confirmed, Bastien Hery said:
"I’ve loved being part of the club for the past 18 months. It's been a great experience and a huge part of my career to play for Waterford FC. The club, the fans and the town have made me feel so welcome from day one. Being so far from home I can never thank you all enough.
"Linfield is something different for me and playing in the Champions League is an exciting opportunity and I’m really looking forward to it.
"From the bottom of my heart I would like to thank everyone; from the coaches, to the staff, to my team mates this season and last who have been like my family, and the fans who have spurred the entire team on. Last but by no means least, I’d like to give a big shout to Michael the Kitman."
Speaking to WaterfordFC.ie after Hery’s move was confirmed, manager Alan Reynolds said:
"Losing out on the European place has hit us hard and there’s no point saying otherwise. There is a fallout from that and the club has had to make really tough decisions to offset that.
"The opportunity came up for Bastien, he really wanted to play in Europe and felt it was right for both parties that he got his opportunity.
"Bastien has been great for us since he came to the club 18 months ago. On and off the pitch he’s been a really good guy and we wish him well.
"He’s been a character around the place, but this is a great opportunity for him to play in the Champions League and we all wish him every success in the future."
