Larne teenager Phoenix Blayney has agreed his move to Premier League giants Arsenal on a scholarship deal which will lead to him signing professional terms at the Emirates.
Blayney – the son of former Northern Ireland goalkeeper Alan – enjoyed a successful trial period with the reigning English top-flight champions.
The Gunners have now won the race to secure Blayney’s services after he had attracted attention from multiple Premier League clubs, including Nottingham Forest.
Northern Ireland U17 international Blayney will spend the remainder of the current season at Larne, playing for the club’s U20s and U18s, before making a move to London next summer.
Larne teenager Phoenix Blayney has agreed a deal to join Premier League giants Arsenal. (Photo by Larne FC Academy)placeholder image
Larne teenager Phoenix Blayney has agreed a deal to join Premier League giants Arsenal. (Photo by Larne FC Academy)
Blayney will initially join Arsenal’s scholarship intake for the 2027/28 campaign but the agreement also includes a professional contract.
The 15-year-old has played eight times for Northern Ireland’s U17s, starting all three of their European Championships qualifying games against Spain, Turkiye and Scotland earlier this year.
Blayney is the latest Irish League youngster to earn a move to the Premier League and Arsenal say they “look forward to supporting him with his continued development”.
Arsenal have recently looked to Northern Ireland for talent with Ceadach O’Neill joining the club from Linfield in 2024 – the 18-year-old has been a consistent presence in their U21s and featured during a pre-season friendly against Real Betis earlier this summer.
Phoenix will want to replicate the success of his father Alan, who earned five senior caps for his country alongside making three Premier League appearances for Southampton.
He also spent time with the likes of Doncaster Rovers and Oldham Athletic before winning three Irish League/Irish Cup doubles at Linfield,
Alan had further spells in the Irish League with Glenavon, Ballymena United, Dundela, Warrenpoint Town and Ballyclare Comrades.
The 44-year-old served as Larne’s goalkeeping coach for five years, playing a key role in historic Premiership success and Conference League qualification, before departing in January 2025.