It's fair to say that 2020 was a mixed year for Dundalk, featuring plenty of ups and downs.
The club would reach the Europa League group stages for only the second time in their history, while also winning the FAI for the second time in three seasons. However, they would fail to put in a staunch defence of their league title, finishing 22 points behind winners Shamrock Rovers.
Then there was the unrest off the pitch. The club was clouded in uncertainty for much of the campaign, with a number of departures of non-playing staff. When the season finished, a number of their key players looked likely to move on due to uncertain contract situations.
Some of them have opted to stay at Oriel Park. Michael Duffy recently signed a new one-year deal, with the likes of David McMillan and Daniel Kelly also penning new contracts.
However, they look set to lose another one of their key players.
Midfielder Jordan Flores is reportedly set to return to English football, signing a deal with League One side Hull City.
Hull City. Signing Jordan Flores. Ex Dundalk midfielder. Free agent. Previously Wigan. Scored worldie goal that made Puskas short list.
— Alan Nixon (@reluctantnicko) January 11, 2021
An academy of the Wigan academy, the 25-year old had been at Dundalk since 2019 after leaving his boyhood club.
The highlight of his time at the club was likely his 2020 Puskas Award nomination for this incredible strike against Shamrock Rovers last year.
Shamrock Rovers 1-1 Dundalk - Wow! Jordan Flores scores a goal of the season contender to level things at Tallaght. You'll be watching this goal for years to come. #rtesocer pic.twitter.com/tIhtCrKfml
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) February 28, 2020
This is no doubt another blow to Dundalk's hopes of regaining the league title this year, with Sean Hoare and Sean Gannon having also recently left to join champions Shamrock Rovers.
However, they have managed to add to their ranks in the form of Faroe Islands defender Sonni Ragnar Nattestad.
Sonni's set for the Town!!
🇫🇴 We have agreed a deal to bring B36 Torshavn’s Faroese international defender Sonni Ragnar Nattestad to Oriel Park.https://t.co/jnum9UNzyu pic.twitter.com/UCJbYYEtZM— Dundalk FC (@DundalkFC) January 10, 2021