Bohemians manager Alan Reynolds was giving little away at Wednesday's League of Ireland launch amid reports that Bohs have completed the signing of ex-Premier League striker Lys Mousset.
The Dublin club were first linked with Frenchman Mousset last week, as he took part as a trialist in a pre-season game against Drogheda United.
Mousset has not played a competitive game of football since May 2023, and reports suggested that several clubs in the League of Ireland were interested in snapping up the former Sheffield United and Bournemouth star.
Reynolds confirmed on Wednesday that Mousset had been involved in the Bohs camp in pre-season, and that the club were helping him to return to match sharpness.
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Alan Reynolds candid at launch as Bohs confirm signing of Lys Mousset
5 February 2025; Bohemians manager Alan Reynolds during the SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division, SSE Airtricity Men's First Division and SSE Airtricity Women's Premier Division Launch 2025 at Mansion House in Dublin. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
Before the first reports emerged of the permanent signing of Lys Mousset, Alan Reynolds spoke to Balls.ie on the French striker's performances for the club in pre-season.
Yeah it is Lys who's been in with us. Lys hasn't played in 18 months so there's plenty of work to be done. We are in negotiations with him so we'll see where it comes...it'll probably be in the next day or two.
He's an exciting talent. It would probably be a a risk for him to take [and] also for us to sign him but he'd be an exciting talent.
Mousset was tied top scorer for Sheffield United in the 2019-20 season, as they secured a top-half finish in the Premier League. His two seasons at Sheffield United came after three with Bournemouth in the top flight, though his career has been stop-start since departing England.
Disciplinary issues clouded Mousset's exit from his previous club VFL Bochum, something Reynolds says Bohs are keenly aware of.
"Look, he seems to have matured a bit," said Reynolds, "We have spoken a bit on things. As I said, he hasn't signed yet so I'll keep that for if he signs."
The first reports came from the UK, with FootyInsider's Pete O'Rourke tweeting to say, that Mousset had agreed a deal to sign following an impressive training stint.
These reports were corroborated by the Independent's Daniel McDonnell, before Bohs themselves confirmed Mousset's signing in a post on social media.
Mousset said on the Bohemians website:
It feels very good to sign, I am happy to be here.
The manager called me, I had a good feeling after speaking with him. He told me to come here and enjoy it, and that is why I have signed.
I am very happy here. The people at this club are very welcoming, and they have made me feel good.
I am very excited to get started, to get back playing football and to do my very best for this club. I think we will enjoy this year.
Ticket sales have already surpassed 21,000 for Bohs' season opener against Shamrock Rovers, and Alan Reynolds said it is not surprising that Bohs' fans will be turning out in numbers for the mega opening weekend derby.
"It doesn't surprise me," Reynolds said, "I think the fans are fanatical. If we get the new stadium, we'd fill it every week.
"We've fantastic fans and the expectation level is high from them, and rightly so. They're demanding and we need to get them behind us and give them something to cheer about. I think it will be a good combination."
All going to plan, this could be the last season Bohs spent at the iconic Dalymount Park. Though Reynolds said that it was not playing on his mind or those of the players, he hoped that they could give the ground a fitting send-off should that prove to be the case.
If it is the last season, we'd like to finish strongly and very well. What comes in the future is exciting down the line but we have to focus on what we've to do now.
Bohemians face Shamrock Rovers on Sunday, February 16th in the Aviva Stadium.
Eoin Harrington reporting from The Mansion House
