Shelbourne FC have completed the loan signing of Arsenal academy midfielder Jordan McEneff on a deal lasting until the end of June.

Jordan McEneff with Arsenal (Photo via McEneff on Instagram)
Jordan McEneff with Arsenal (Photo via McEneff on Instagram)

Shelbourne FC and Arsenal have both announced the loan transfer of Arsenal youngster Jordan McEneff to Shelbourne until the end of June 2022.

The Irish Premier League operates on a calendar-year basis, so McEneff will be joining Shelbourne at the start of their league season, and signing a deal for the first half of the campaign.

Their transfer window is also still open, unlike with the Premier League, which is why McEneff is still able to complete the transfer. Their deadline isn’t until February 22nd.

The loan will likely lead to a permanent departure, as McEneff’s Arsenal deal is up in the summer.

But if he really impresses on loan, it’s not impossible the club might look to extend his contract at that stage.

“When Damien [Duff – Shelbourne City manager] rang me it was very exciting and he understands how it is in England for me,” McEneff said after the move.

“The squad seems very exciting and the setup is very attractive. I know how good the league is and with the Club promoted recently it is going in the right direction.

“Most teams in the league will be really competitive and I’m looking forward to playing first-team football with excellent coaching staff around the Club.”

Jordan McEneff with Arsenal (Photo via McEneff on Instagram)
Jordan McEneff with Arsenal (Photo via McEneff on Instagram)

McEneff has had real problems with injuries in the last couple of years. Now that he’s finally back fit and playing again, a loan should do him a lot of good.

The 21-year-old extended his contract last year, in a move that was highly praised by his agency.

“With his contract due to expire this summer, Per and Arsenal have moved to extend Jordan’s deal to give him time to get physically right,” Integrity Sports Ltd wrote on social media in 2021.

“Such duty of care and general kindness is rarely seen in the business of elite sport.

“Whether Jordan goes onto become a first-team player at the Emirates in the short term or not, Arsenal have shown incredible class to look after the best interests of a young player that has huge potential.

“Big thank you to Per Mertesacker and Arsenal for taking care of one of Ireland’s biggest young talents so, so well since the moment [he] joined the club.”