Arsenal have reached an agreement to sign highly rated Northern Ireland Under-17 international Phoenix Blayney from Larne FC as part of the club’s 2027/28 scholar intake.
The 15-year-old goalkeeper has also signed a pre-contract agreement that will lead to him putting pen to paper on professional terms with the north London club in the future, subject to the completion of the necessary regulatory processes.
Blayney will leave Northern Ireland for the first time in his young career after impressing during a successful trial period with Arsenal. The towering Belfast-born goalkeeper has now earned the opportunity to continue his development within one of England’s most respected academy systems.
Despite being only 15, Blayney has already gained valuable international experience with Northern Ireland. The young shot-stopper made five appearances during the country’s UEFA European Under-17 Championship qualifying campaign, helping his side progress to the elite qualifying round.
He has also represented Northern Ireland in three Under-17 friendly matches, underlining the high regard in which he is held at international level.
Blayney’s progress has also been evident during his time with Larne. At club level, he has featured across a number of competitions for the Irish League side’s Under-16 and Under-18 teams, regularly testing himself against older players.
His development saw him receive further recognition last season when he was named on the bench for a UEFA Youth League fixture, providing another significant milestone in what has already been an impressive start to his career.
The move represents a major opportunity for Blayney, who will now prepare to continue his footballing education at Arsenal’s academy in north London. Goalkeeper development often requires patience, but the teenager will have the chance to work within a professional environment and continue refining his game alongside some of the country’s most promising young players.
ARSENAL‘s agreement to bring Blayney to the club is another example of their continued focus on identifying and recruiting talented young players from across the United Kingdom and beyond.
While his immediate focus will be on settling into a new environment and continuing his development, Blayney will undoubtedly hope to use the move as a platform to progress through Arsenal’s academy system in the years ahead.
Everyone at Arsenal has welcomed the young goalkeeper to the club and will look forward to supporting his continued development as he begins an exciting new chapter away from his home country.
The transfer remains subject to the completion of regulatory processes, but ARSENAL will be hoping Blayney can fulfil the considerable potential that has already made him one of Northern Ireland’s most promising young goalkeeping talents
MORE ARSENAL NEWS AND GOSSIP –
Top Read: Kroenke ‘ON WAY’ complete £120M Arsenal SIGNING – Gunners agree £55M deal – £77M star WILL Be Gunner this summer
Most Read: Giants AGREE SELL £120M star to Arsenal – £300k-a-week ace open Emirates move – Arteta told to sign £100M star
Must Check Out: One of worlds best confirms Arsenal deal COMING – £50M star to leave Arsenal – Gunners make offer sign wantaway striker