Walsall have completed the signing of Irish left-back James Furlong on a free transfer.
The 24-year-old, who most recently played for Maribor in the Slovenian top-flight, has penned a one-year deal with the Saddlers.
Furlong becomes the 14th summer signing of the window and is set to provide competition and cover for Mason Hancock at left-back - following Vincent Harper’s loan switch to League Two rivals Exeter City last week.
“I’ve had a few training sessions with the lads and they’ve been really enjoyable,” Furlong said.
“I think this is a fresh start for myself and the gaffer’s style of play really suits me. He’s someone who’s always striving for improvement which suits my mentality too.”
Dublin-born Furlong has spells on the books at Bray Wanderers and Shamrock Rovers, making his senior debut aged 16 in April 2019.
James Furlong left Hull earlier this year.placeholder image
James Furlong left Hull earlier this year. | Catherine Ivill/Getty Images
He moved to England to join Brighton that summer and played over 80 times for the Seagulls at youth level.
His sole appearance came as a late substitute during a 3-0 win at Forest Green Rovers in the Carabao Cup.
Furlong registered three assists in 16 appearances on loan at Motherwell in 2022-23, before joining Hull City, where played just once in all competitions.
A loan spell at AFC Wimbledon followed in 2024-25 and Furlong featured 30 times, as the Wombles achieved promotion via a 1-0 victory over Walsall in the League Two play-off final.
In February, Furlong left Hull to join NK Maribor, although he failed to play a single game in Slovenia.
He also had a trial with fellow League Two outfit Rotherham United earlier this summer.
Head coach Lee Grant added: “He’s someone who has had a lot of exposure to football early on in his career and knows what it takes to be successful having gained promotion from this league in the past.”