Walsall have confirmed the signing of Newport County defender Priestley Farquharson, who will join the club when his Exiles contract expires at the end of the month.Signing a two-year deal, the 26-year-old becomes Mat Sadler's third signing of the summer, joining Ryan Stirk and Chris Hussey in making to move to Poundland Bescot Stadium.
Priestley spent the last two-and-a-half years at Rodney Parade where he made sixty-five first-team appearances, and found the back of the net on five occasions.
During his time in South Wales, he featured in the 2020-21 League Two play-off final and added goals to his game in the 2022/23 season as he established himself in the team.
Farquharson began his career in non-league and represented Hitchin Town, Billericay Town, Hayes & Yeading and Bishop’s Stortford.
In January 2019, he signed for Cymru Premier League side Connah’s Quay Nomads and went on to play a key role as they secured both league title and Welsh League Cup in 2019/20, with Walsall's newest signing earning the Young Player of the Season award.
The defender has also made appearances in the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League and his impressive displays caught the eye of Newport in January 2021.
He has also played for England’s Beach Soccer Team, playing over 50 matches earlier in his career.
Speaking via the club's official website, Head Coach Mat Sadler admitted he is pleased to further bolster his defensive options, he said; "I’m delighted to get Priestley.
"He’s someone that I’ve been covering for the whole of the off season and he’s someone we’ve worked hard to get over the line and we’re absolutely delighted to secure his services.
£Priestley is a man mountain of a guy, he’s extremely mobile, really quick, and fits the demands of the division really well.
"He defends well, he’s comfortable in one-v-one situations. I played against him in his first season in English football at Newport and straight away I was struck by the athleticism of him.
"He’s a front foot defender who loves to defend but also likes to step in and dribble as well. I’m looking forward to seeing his aggressive style of play.
"He’s so hungry to get better, so hungry to improve and better himself each and every day. It’s that hunger in a player that I am after in all the players that I’m looking to sign.
"He’s had some fantastic experiences in the relatively short spell of his career so far but for me, that desire and determination to improve and not be satisfied with where he’s currently at appealed to me from the off."
The transfer is subject to international clearance.