General
- Wednesday July 17th, 2024 @ 17:30
Elbouzedi Signs Multi Year Contract
St Patrick's Athletic are delighted to announce the signing of Zach Elbouzedi from Swedish side AIK.
The 26-year-old becomes Stephen Kenny's third summer addition and joins the club on a multi-year contract, subject to international clearance.
Elbouzedi, who is from Swords, made his Republic of Ireland U21 debut under the now St Patrick's Athletic Manager Kenny in 2019, went on to earn 13 U21 caps, having also been capped by his country at every age group from U15 to U21.
The winger spent his schoolboy career with Malahide United before moving to West Brom in 2014.
He joined Inverness Caledonian Thistle in 2017 before returning home to Ireland to join Waterford FC in the League of Ireland.
Zach made 29 appearances during his time at the RSC, scoring 6 times before moving back to the UK in January 2020 to Lincoln City.
After 18 months at Lincoln, Elbouzedi headed for Sweden, and made 52 appearances for AIK.
Zach spent the second half of last season on loan with Swindon Town in League 2, making seven appearances and also had loan spells at Elgin City and Bolton Wanderers during his time away.
Elbouzedi will wear the number 26 shirt at Richmond Park.
Zach said:
"I'm delighted. I've played here at Richmond Park before when I was at Waterford, it's a massive club and with Stephen (Kenny) being here too was a massive factor in me coming to Pat's, I think it's an exciting time to be here.
I played some of the best football of my career under Stephen (with Ireland U21s), the style of football he plays and the confidence that he instills in you as a player is something I really enjoyed so I'm looking forward to getting going now and working under him again."
Watch Zach's full interview on our Youtube channel.
Manager Stephen Kenny has been welcoming his latest signing:
"Zach is a high level player, having played 52 times for AIK in Sweden as well as spells in England with a number of different clubs.
He played for the Ireland U21s under me, he's got exceptional pace, and gives real width on either flank and has a tremendous work ethic, athletically he's quite exceptional too, we're hoping he can really come and enjoy his football here.
I know Zach is determined to do well here, having signed for the next couple of years here.
I feel he is in the prime of his career in his mid-20s, he's Dublin born so coming back to his home city to join St Patrick's Athletic so it's an exciting period for Zach and us, with FAI Cup, Europe and big League matches to come and over a period of time I think he'll prove to be a really good signing."
Director of Football Ger O'Brien added:
"We are thrilled to welcome Zach to St Patrick's Athletic.
He is a player who I have admired for a long time, who will excite supporters with his pace and attacking threat.
Zach's talent, dedication and passion for the game fit perfectly with our club's values and ambitions.
We look forward to seeing him contribute to our success and become a vital part of our team over the next number of years."
