Kerry sign 36-cap Liechtenstein international on loan

Simon Lüchinger is aiming to help Kerry reach the First Division play-offs for the first time. 

Kerry manager Colin Healy said Simon Lüchinger has already impressed in training. Pic: Kerry FC

Liechtenstein international midfielder Simon Lüchinger has signed for Kerry FC on loan from Austrian 2. Liga side Schwarz-Weiß Bregenz until the end of the 2026 campaign, becoming Colin Healy’s first signing of the summer window.

The 23-year-old has won 36 caps for his country at senior level, playing in World Cup and European Championship qualifiers, as well as in the Nations League. 

Lüchinger featured in all eight qualifying group games for this year’s World Cup. He also played in all but one of the European Championship qualifiers in 2023, featuring against sides like Portugal and Belgium.

Born in Vaduz, the midfielder was named Liechtenstein U21 captain aged just 17, becoming the youngest-ever skipper of the country's underage side.

Simon signed his first professional contract at his hometown club, Vaduz, in 2021, where he remained for four years until 2025, winning the Liechtenstein Cup on four occasions back-to-back. He signed for Schwarz-Weiß Bregenz at the start of last season and now teams up with Colin Healy’s side for the remainder of the 2026 season.

"I’m very happy and proud to be here," said Lüchinger.

"I know what this club means to the people of Kerry, especially to the kids who love the game as much as I do. We, as a team, have the chance to achieve something that the club hasn’t done yet in its young history, and that’s reaching the play-offs! I want to make an immediate impact on the pitch, and I am fully committed to the club’s philosophy and values. I can’t wait to see you on Monday at Mounthawk Park. Up the Kingdom!” 

Healy said Lüchinger has already made an impression. 

"We are delighted to welcome Simon to Kerry for the remainder of this season on loan," said Healy.

"He comes to Kerry with an impressive number of international caps, and Liechtenstein will be gearing up for their Nations League campaign in the next few weeks as well. He has impressed since his arrival into training, and we will be looking forward to seeing him in the Kerry jersey over the next number of weeks as well. 

"With a lot of these players coming in from overseas, we will have to be patient as he adapts to what the League of Ireland offers. It’s exciting for sure; it’s great to have him here with us.”