Photo via Arsenal.com
Sat 4 October 2025 21:01, UK
Shamrock Rovers boss Stephen Bradley has launched fierce criticism of agents who push Irish teenagers to leave the League of Ireland too early, after Victor Ozhianvuna’s record-breaking transfer to Arsenal was confirmed.
The 16-year-old midfielder will join the Gunners in January 2027, when he turns 18, in a deal worth an initial €2 million that could rise above €4 million with add-ons, a move Bradley calls “the template” for doing it the right way.
The deal, which includes a significant sell-on clause, eclipses the fee Tottenham are paying for Mason Melia, who will join from St Patrick’s Athletic in January.
Ozhianvuna, who has made 16 senior appearances for Shamrock Rovers, will stay in Dublin until the end of 2026 before completing his move to north London.
Bradley believes the deal is a landmark moment for the domestic game. “It shows what can be achieved,” he said. “He’s a special talent. He’s a special boy. It shows that teams around Europe are starting to respect Irish football.
“It doesn’t mean every player is going to go for that fee, but it’s showing us where we can go in that direction.”
He added that the midfielder’s development will benefit from staying longer in senior football before taking the next step. “He’s going to be exposed a lot more.
“He’ll get a lot of experience and he’ll improve. Then he’s ready to go. Gavin Bazunu did it years ago and this has shown a clear path in terms of trust and what can be achieved.”
Ozhianvuna is a right-footed midfielder who often operates from the left.
Related Posts
