Waterford FC have announced the loan signing of midfielder Noah Mawene for the remainder of the 2026 League of Ireland season from parent club Fleetwood Town FC.

Mawene becomes their third summer signing, penning a deal with the Blues until the end of the season.

The 21 year-old midfielder spent eight years at Preston North End, joining the Lilywhites at U13 level before progressing through their academy ranks to sign his first professional contract with the club in 2021.

The following season, he made his senior debut for the club, coming on as a substitute in Preston’s 4-1 win over Blackburn Rovers in the Championship – his sole senior appearance in 22/23.

2024/25 saw Mawene make a further seven Championship appearances – two of which came from the start against Birmingham & Southampton – before he made the loan move to Newport County for the second half of the season, where he made 16 appearances for the Exiles.

Noah returned to Preston at the start of the 2025/26 season, regularly playing for their U21 side, before a short loan spell with Southend United, as he now makes the permanent move away from Deepdale to sign for Fleetwood Town, and signing on loan at the RSC for the remainder of our season to add depth & quality to their midfield options.

Speaking on signing for the club, Noah gave his first thoughts with his new club:

“I’m very grateful for the opportunity here at Waterford. Everyone at the club is hungry and ambitious, so fitting in wasn’t a problem. There is a great buzz about Waterford, and I can’t wait to be part of it.”

Waterford FC Head Coach Graham Coughlan is pleased to welcome Mawene to the club, saying:

“Noah will give us added competition in midfield for the second-half of the season. He’ll push the players around him and will give us depth in that central midfield role. Similar to Joe & Blair who have already joined, Noah can play in a number of positions for us. He’s enthusiastic & will help us push the standards we demand from the players.”

Photo Courtesy of Waterford FC