We are delighted to announce the signing of defender Craig Farquhar on a free transfer as the Bees’ second addition ahead of the 2026/27 season.
The 23-year-old centre-back makes the short move from the South of the river, where he’s spent the past two and a half years with Crystal Palace U21s.
The Northern Irishman joined the Eagles’ Academy in January 2024, where he made a total of 11 appearances in the latter stages of the campaign, with three of those coming in the club’s journey to winning the Premier League International Cup.
Injury ruled Craig out for an extended period of time, but he returned to action earlier this year, making eight more appearances across all competitions, scoring on his return and wearing the captains’ armband on all but one of those occasions.
Farquhar spent the early years of his career progressing through the ranks of his hometown club Ballymena United, where he signed professionally at 18, before making the transition into the First Team.
Whilst at Ballymena, Craig went out on loan to Dundela for the second-half of the 21/22 campaign, where he made 12 appearances and scored two goals.
A move to Larne came after that, where the defender won both the NIFL Premiership and County Antrim Shield in the 23/24 season, as well as featuring in a Champions League qualifier against HJK Helsinki.
The youngster made his debut for the Northern Ireland U21s in March 2024, scoring the winning goal in a European Qualifier against Serbia.
On bringing Craig to the Bees, Manager Dean Brennan said:
“Craig’s a player we’ve looked at bringing to the club on several occasions over the last 12 months. We’ve known about him for a long time and we’ve got a great rapport with Crystal Palace.
We’re excited Craig’s decided to join us. He’s got good presence, reads the game really well, he’s physical and has good footballing IQ.
He’s another young player, he’s got a bright future and he knows what’s expected of him, so it’s a positive signing all-round.”
On making the move to an EFL side, Craig added:
“It’s a proud moment for me. Moving to England was always my goal and I’m excited for the next chapter and hopefully I can grab the opportunity with two hands.”
“I’m aggressive in duels and I like to get the ball at my feet and play.”
Welcome to Barnet Craig!
The deal is subject to League and FA Clearances.