Dundee United centre-back Kevin Holt's transfer to Derry City on Saturday evening sparked a strongly-worded reaction from his former club. Both teams released statements confirming the 32-year-old's move, but Dundee United's missive included additional details about the circumstances surrounding the transfer.
Holt becomes new Derry City boss Tiernan Lynch's seventh signing, joining a squad of high-profile and experienced players. The defender has played for several Scottish clubs, including Queen of the South, Dundee, Partick Thistle, and Dundee United, as well as having stints in Cyprus with Pafos and Ermis Aradippou.
Dundee United's statement on their website read: "Dundee United can confirm defender Kevin Holt has joined League of Ireland outfit Derry City for an undisclosed fee. The permanent transfer is subject to international clearance."
The club expressed disappointment at the outcome, stating: "The club would like to place on record our disappointment at reaching this outcome given the player was a valued member of the squad."
However, they revealed that Holt and his representatives had indicated that he might be unavailable for selection until the end of the 2024/25 campaign if the transfer was not agreed. After weighing their options, the club decided that securing a significant fee for a player out of contract in the summer was the best course of action, reports the Irish Mirror.
The statement concluded: "Dundee United wish the player all the best for his future career."
The exact amount Derry City paid to secure the signing remains undisclosed, but the League of Ireland team is thrilled to welcome a player who has scored four goals in 29 appearances this season. "Derry City FC are delighted to announce the signing of Kevin Holt on a two-year deal from Dundee United, pending international clearance," read a statement from the Candystripes.
"With 4 goals in 29 appearances this term, the Dumfries native has been a major part of United's side this season. Holt began his career with boyhood club Queen of the South where he went on to make over 150 appearances and won the Scottish Challenge Cup in 2013.
"The left-sided defender also played for the other Dundee, before having spells at Cypriot First Division sides Pafos and Ermis Aradippou either side of a QotS return. After his overseas adventures, Holt settled with Partick Thistle and was a key figure in their journey to the Premiership Play-Off final in 2023, which earned him the move to Dundee United that summer.
"With a wealth of experience and a knack for popping up with big goals, the 32-year-old will be a welcome addition to the City squad."
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