Cameron Dummigan has become the fourth Dundalk player to join Derry City in the off-season, while the Candystripes have also brought in highly-rated Brandon Kavanagh.
Dummigan started his playing career at Cliftonville before joining Premier League outfit Burnley in 2013.
A successful loan spell at Oldham saw him move to Boundary Park permanently in 2016 before he joined the Lilywhites three years later.
Despite the Louth club's struggles, Dummigan performed admirably and has been tracked by a number of clubs.
He moves northwards on a two-year contract.
Dummigan is the latest to move from Oriel to Derry after Michael Duffy, Patrick McEleney and Will Patching all agreed moves in recent weeks.
Kavanagh played for both Bray Wanderers and Bohemians at Under-19 level before joining Shamrock Rovers and going out on loan back to the Carlisle Grounds.
A Republic of Ireland Under-21 international, he was named in the team of the season in the First Division this year.
His contract at Tallaght Stadium had ended. Higgins moved quickly to bring the midfielder to Foyleside as he puts the finishing touches to his 2022 squad.
Derry are likely to have to pay compensation to the Hoops, with the attacking midfielder signing a three-year agreement.
Reflecting on his new additions, Higgins said: "I'm delighted to welcome a player of Cameron’s quality and versatility to the club.
"It is very rare that a player is equally effective in a number of positions, but that’s certainly what he brings us.
"He has a wealth of experience behind him and is still only 25 years old so I would like to think he’s joining the club with his best years ahead of him.
"Brandon is a player I've admired since he burst onto the scene at Shamrock Rovers a few years ago.
"He is a very gifted footballer with huge potential. At only 21 years of age it will be exciting to see how he develops in the coming years at Derry City."
Another Irish Under-21 international, Brian Maher, and defender Shane McEleney (Finn Harps) have also signed for the big-spending Candystripes so far this off-season.
