Premier League Wolves have snapped up highly-rated midfielder Luke O’Donnell from Derry City for an initial six figure fee.
The 17-year-old from Donegal earned his senior debut for the Candystripes last November before putting pen to paper on his first professional deal with the club shortly afterwards.
Wolves have been keeping tabs on the versatile Ireland U-17 international for some time, having also tried to sign him a year ago, but he has now made the move to Molineux and will link up with the club’s academy initially.
“Luke’s a boy we tried to sign a year ago so it’s been a real challenge for us,” said Wolves academy manager Jon Hunter-Barrett.
“He’s another versatile player who can play as a six, eight or even as a centre back, which he’s shown he can do for his national team. Luke’s a great height and shape, and an athletic mover who can manage the ball.
“We feel we can build a development block that’s going to be needed for him to sustain a career in the game moving forward.”
“It’s a great move for Luke and he is a player we think very highly of, so it’s no surprise that he has attracted the attention of a big club like Wolves,” added Derry CEO Sean Barrett.
“It’s very pleasing for us as a club that we’re developing players on a pathway. As well as giving lads the opportunity to move across the water, we’re also focused on providing local players for Derry City.
“For now though we just want to wish Luke every success at Wolves and we look forward to monitoring his progress there.”