LUKE O’Donnell has bid the Brandywell farewell in favour of the bright lights of the Black County as he signs for the academy of Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Wolves paid a “six-figure fee” for the 17-year-old, Derry City confirmed, with the youngster becoming the second Derry City player to make the jump across the pond.
O’Donnell joins goalkeeper Conal McDermott, who moved to the south coast to play for Portsmouth.
The talented 17-year-old midfielder signed a professional contract at the Brandywell at the start of this season but made his senior debut for Derry back in November 2023, when he was still only 16.
“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,” said Derry City CEO Sean Barrett.
“It’s very pleasing for us as a club that we’re developing players on a pathway, that as well as giving lads the opportunity to move across the water, we’re also focused on providing local players for Derry City.”
A former Cockhill Celtic youth, O’Donnell has international experience with Ireland’s under-17s and has competed in their European Qualifiers last season.
“Luke’s a boy we tried to sign a year ago so it’s been a real challenge for us but, most importantly, for Luke and his family to wait for this amount of time before officially signing for us,” said Wolves Academy manager of Football, 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.
“He’s another solid personality, someone who is consistent every day and 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.”
