Arsenal youngster Ceadach O’Neill had a trial at Liverpool prior to joining the Gunners, according to a report.
Arsenal youth player Ceadach O’Neill has had a positive spell with the club since joining from Linfield FC, making over 50 appearances across the u18s, u19s, and u21s and scoring 20 goals, assisting another seven.
The 18-year-old got a chance with the first team in pre-season, and he performed well, only dropping out when the senior players returned from their extended summer holidays.
A future in senior football is inevitable for the youngster, but his career almost went in a very different direction a couple of years ago.
Arsenal completed the signing of O’Neill in July 2024, but Graham Luney reports for the Belfast Telegraph that the player was also on the radar of Southampton and Liverpool, spending time on trial with both clubs.
O’Neill also spent time on an Arsenal trial, featuring at the Flamengo Adidas Cup in Brazil. He then had a decision to make on his next club, ultimately signing a scholarship contract with the Gunners.
O’Neill has since put pen to paper on professional terms, which should last until the end of the 2026/27 campaign. That means his deal will need renegotiating this season, and Arsenal should be keen to keep him.
Speaking about O’Neill, former Arsenal youngster Jordan McEneff revealed that he had a conversation with the player before his transfer.
“Ceadach is from the Derry area and I was chatting to him just before he moved away,” McEneff said. “He actually moved into the same digs I was in. He seems to have settled in well with that family and he is flying over there.
“He is definitely in a good place. He has featured in pre-season and there could be a loan. He is only young and developing all the time.”
A loan would be another positive step for the Arsenal prospect, but perhaps he’ll need to sort out his contract situation first.
- Arsenal academy chief identifies key to long-term plansPascal De Maesschalck has explained why recruitment sits at the heart of Arsenal’s academy plans and how Mikel Arteta is shaping the next stage.
- Arsenal identify 2 forwards for January windowArsenal are reportedly prioritising a versatile forward for January, with two attackers under consideration as Mikel Arteta weighs his options.
- “Never seen anything like that” New Arsenal Academy boss blown away by Mikel Arteta training sessionsPascal De Maesschalck has revealed what surprised him most about Mikel Arteta’s coaching after joining Arsenal as academy director this summer.
- 4 Arsenal players shortlisted for FIFPRO Women’s World 11Four Arsenal players have been shortlisted for the 2026 FIFPRO Women’s World 11, with the final team to be decided by votes from fellow professionals.
- Why Merino believes Arsenal can benefit from his international successMikel Merino has explained how his success with Spain could help Arsenal develop the confidence and experience needed to win more major honours.