Cork City's 18-year-old defender Donal O'Connor is set to join Premier League club Brentford in a move worth €170,000. The young Rebel has been impressing for the club this season, making his senior debut against Treaty United in May and starting the next six games without conceding a goal.
Reports suggest that Brentford are set to add to their ever-growing Irish contingent with the signing of up-and-coming Cork City star Donal O'Connor. The Bees have become a Premier League hub for Ireland fans in recent years, with Keith Andrews in charge of a side featuring Irish 'keeper Caoimhín Kelleher and skippered by Ireland captain Nathan Collins.
Why it matters for Cork City
The departure of O'Connor will be a blow to the Rebels, who are currently leading the First Division table with 60 points from 26 games. They are 20 points clear of Bray Wanderers and have a strong squad that has been impressing this season. However, the arrival of O'Connor at Brentford will be a significant boost to the Premier League club, who are looking to strengthen their defense.
The transfer is expected to be completed before the start of the Premier League season, with O'Connor set to join his new teammates in west London. The young defender will have the ideal mentors in his development as a centre-back, with Ireland captain Nathan Collins and goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher at the club. The Irish contingent continues to grow at Brentford, and the exploits of Donal O'Connor under the guidance of Keith Andrews and co will be an intriguing Premier League subplot this season.
Cork City are currently 1st in the First Division table, with 60 points from 26 games. They have a strong squad that has been impressing this season, with 54 goals scored and 22 conceded. They are 20 points clear of Bray Wanderers and have a recent form of 2W-0D-3L. Their next fixture is against Kerry at home on August 7th.
