Pic: George Kelly
Enda Stevens is currently considering the possibility of returning to the League of Ireland Premier Division champions, Shamrock Rovers, according to The Irish Independent. The Irish left-back departed the club 14 years ago for Aston Villa and has played for numerous English sides since. Stevens’ longest stint at the same club was for Sheffield United, from 2017 to 2023.
Stevens was part of the Sheffield United squad that earned promotion in both the 2018/19 and 2022/23 seasons. He made 26 appearances for the Irish national team and has returned home recently to train with Stephen Bradley’s side.
Stevens quality
Enda Stevens, now 35 years old, boasts a wealth of top-level experience in the game, having been promoted twice with Sheffield United. During his six-year stint at the club, he made 192 appearances, scoring eight goals in that time. As the Blades earned promotion for a second time while Stevens was at the club, he played a lesser role, primarily due to ongoing injury issues. He was released by the manager at the time, Paul Heckingbottom, in August 2023.
When Enda Stevens departed Shamrock Rovers for Aston Villa, the club allowed him to remain at the club to see out the UEFA Europa League campaign. On 10 November 2012, Stevens made his debut for his new side against Manchester United. The former Hoop proceeded to make just six more appearances before being enlisted for transfer by then manager, Rickie Lambert.
Stevens joined Stoke City, where he last played, in July 2023 and worked hard to make himself available. Hindered by injuries, he departed the club in the summer of 2025, after 39 appearances.
Potential impact of return
The move back to the League of Ireland is largely dependent on the movement, or lack thereof, for Josh Honohan. The rising star gathered interest from Lincoln City, as a bid of €625,000 was rejected in September 2025. There is an expectation that the club will return in January with an improved offer that could see Honohan depart the club.
Honohan, who was recently substituted off in a title-clinching 1-0 victory over Galway United, has gathered widespread interest. The defender signed for Shamrock Rovers from Cork City in November 2023. He scored on his Rovers debut against St. Patrick’s Athletic in the President’s Cup in February 2024.Â
In 2025, Honohan was called up to Heimir HallgrÃmsson’s Ireland team twice. The first time was in March 2025 for a UEFA Nations League fixture against Bulgaria. The second call was for two friendly fixtures against Senegal and Luxembourg, but the Corkman has yet to make his international debut.
Next steps
Stephen Bradley will not be worrying about the transfer situation at the moment as he eyes a historic double. After confirming the title, the Hoops are now targeting cup success when they take on Cork City in the Aviva Stadium.
In the wing-back positions, where Honohan primarily occupies, Rovers have strength in depth but will look to strengthen. Presently, Adam Matthews, Darragh Nugent, Cian Barrett, and others have filled that position. Shamrock Rovers will be determined to replace the 24-year-old defender with quality, as that is what he is.