Mikel Arteta - Arsenal
Mikel Arteta - Arsenal
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Young players who have already agreed a move to a top club can still collect silverware with their current side before the transfer is completed. A teenager who has spent most of his development at one club often continues to feature there until he reaches the age when the switch can go through. Those final months can still produce memorable moments even when injury has limited recent involvement.
The League of Ireland has produced several talents who have later moved to the Premier League, and another one is due to arrive in north London early next year. His current club has now secured back-to-back titles, with the player contributing in the earlier part of the campaign before a back problem interrupted his progress. Arsenal have been involved in monitoring his recovery while he remains with the Irish side.
Shamrock Rovers went into their penultimate game of the season three points ahead of Bohemians. A 4-0 win over Sligo Rovers, combined with Bohemians’ 1-0 defeat to Shelbourne, confirmed them as champions for the second year in a row.
The result sealed the League of Ireland title on Friday night and gave future Arsenal player Victor Ozhianvuna his second league title success with the club.
Ozhianvuna made 13 league appearances for Rovers in 2025 and another 18 for the team this time around. He is set to join Arsenal in January 2027, after he turns 18 on January 10th, but he has continued to play for his current club in the meantime. The teenager was having a particularly positive impact in early May, providing assists in consecutive games against Drogheda United and Galway United. He was even being tipped by his manager for a senior international call-up.
Victor Ozhianvuna
Victor Ozhianvuna
His run of good form was put to an end by a back injury, and he has been out of action for the last five months. Rovers boss Stephen Bradley confirmed in September that the player’s back and hip pain is linked to a growth spurt, and Arsenal are helping to manage his recovery. The two clubs are just opting to be cautious with the player, given his age.
Ozhianvuna will reportedly sign a four-and-a-half-year contract with Arsenal in January, which would take him to 2031. Rovers are guaranteed around €2m (£1.68m) as a transfer fee, plus potentially more in sell-on money. The deal was agreed some time ago, allowing the player to complete the season with the club that has developed him since the age of six.
His absence in the closing months of the campaign has not prevented Rovers from retaining the title. The club’s ability to manage his situation carefully while still competing at the top of the table reflects the understanding between the two sides. Arsenal will now look to complete the move once he reaches the required age and has fully recovered from the growth-related issue.
The title success marks another significant achievement for a player who has already attracted interest from one of Europe’s strongest academies. Supporters of the Gunners will be able to follow his progress once he arrives in January, with the long-term contract offering security for both parties. The immediate focus remains on ensuring he returns to full fitness before the switch takes place.