Arsenal have beaten Liverpool to the signature of teenage goalkeeper Phoenix Blayney. The 15-year-old had a trial at the Gunners and impressed coaches, leading to the club pushing to sign Blayney from Northern Irish club Larne.
Interest from Multiple Clubs
Liverpool and Nottingham Forest also offered Blayney a contract, and he was seen at Anfield in Liverpool kit after visiting the training facilities. However, it has now been confirmed by Blayney's father that Arsenal have won the race.
Pre-Contract Agreement
It is expected that he will sign a pre-contract when he joins up with the Gunners this summer and then put pen to paper on professional terms when he turns 17 in November 2027.
"Everything has been agreed with Arsenal, he just needs to sign the contract," Alan Blayney told the Belfast Telegraph. "When he's 17, he will sign a professional contract. It's done and dusted and a pre-contract will be signed when the time is right."
The pre-contract is a familiar route for Arsenal, who have done something similar with Marli Salmon and Max Dowman. Both signed pre-contracts this season and will sign a professional deal with the Gunners on their 17th birthday.
Why Arsenal?
Blayney's father revealed that Arsenal were the "shining light between them all" in terms of offers from Premier League clubs. "Phoenix enjoyed being at Arsenal, he felt a connection there and really likes the coaches," he added. "One of his good friends Daniel McCarron has joined the club and that's probably one of the reasons too. Him and Daniel play in the same Northern Ireland team."
Academy Recruitment Strategy
Arsenal are continuing their push to recruit the best young talent at academy level and Blayney is viewed as one of those top prospects. He has already been capped eight times by the Northern Ireland U17 side.
