Waterford FC are delighted to announce the signing of exciting midfielder Evan McLaughlin on a permanent transfer from Cork City FC for an undisclosed fee.
The 23 year-old joins the Blues from First-Division side Cork City where he spent the last two seasons, as he becomes Jon Daly’s latest signing in Waterford.
McLaughlin came up through the academy ranks of his hometown club Derry City FC, before making his senior debut in 2021 in a 2-0 win against the Blues at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium – a game that saw McLaughlin open the scoring in the first-half.
The midfielder played an important role for the Candystripes across league, cup & European games in 2021 & 2022, before spending the second-half of 2022 on loan with NIFL Premiership side Coleraine before returning to the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium for 2023.
Evan departed Derry at the end of 2023 before signing for Cork City as he helped Tim Clancy’s side to the First Division title in a season where he was named in the PFAI Team of the Year following his exploits on the pitch for Cork, making 36 appearances & scoring 5 times across all competitions.
McLaughlin continued his impressive performances in 2025 with seven goals & 4 assists in all competitions, with a semi-final brace against St. Patrick’s Athletic earning Cork a place in the 2025 FAI Cup Final at the Aviva Stadium – a game that Evan started in a 2-0 defeat to Shamrock Rovers.
He now makes the move to Waterford 2025, where he will link up with former Cork teammate & new Blue Benny Couto, along with the rest of Jon Daly’s squad ahead of the 2026 League of Ireland season.
Speaking on his move the Blues, Evan spoke to our club media where he outlined his excitement at working with Jon Daly at the RSC, saying:
“I’m delighted to finally be here at the club. After talking to Jon, and seeing the facilities here, it was an easy decision to join. I’m looking forward to getting to work now, meeting all the lads, and playing in front of the Waterford fans next year.”
Blues Head Coach Jon Daly is delighted to have McLaughlin at the club for 2026, stating:
“I’m really pleased to secure Evan’s signature and bring him to Waterford FC. He’s a very talented player that will add more quality to our already excellent options in the midfield and attacking third. It’s important we have competition for places across all areas of the pitch.
Evan has a real desire to improve and develop, we believe this is the perfect environment for him to take the next step in his career.”
