Galway United teenager Alex Murphy has signed a deal to join Newcastle United.
The 17-year-old will remain in Galway until July before joining the Magpies for an undisclosed fee.
It has been a rapid rise for Murphy who joined Galway United at 14 from local side Corrib Celtic.
In 2021 he was promoted to the senior squad and made his first team debut against Athlone Town at just 16 years old.
Murphy said of the big move: "I'm buzzing to join such a big club; I'd like to thank everyone who has helped me get to this stage, especially all my coaches at Corrib Celtic, Galway FA and Galway United."
The 17-year-old defender has already amassed 26 senior appearances for Galway United, scoring two goals.
Murphy has also been a regular at underage level for Ireland, including captaining the U18s side.
Galway boss John Caulfield said that Murphy's rise is the product of significant investment in their underage academy.
"As a club, it's fantastic news that one of our own lads has come through the academy and has achieved such a fantastic move.
"Only less than 12 months ago, Alex was not capped by Ireland underage and was really not known outside of our academy. He made his first-team debut at 16 years of age.
"Within 12 months, he's been part of our first team, with over 25 first-team appearances and is now joining Newcastle in the Premier Division
"It's an honour and a privilege to have a player who has got to that level within 12 months.
"Alex himself, his attention to detail, the way he has grown over the last 12 months, what he has taken on board and how he has improved himself has been a credit to himself and his family, Brian and Majella.
"It just shows that at Galway United, the opportunity for our players from our academy to progress to the first team is there if players have the determination, the attitude and the ability to come through. The opportunities are massive.
"While we are disappointed to be losing such a talented player midway through the season, at the same time, it's an unbelievable opportunity for him to go to Newcastle United, and we are delighted to have played a big part in his career."
Speaking after securing the deal for Murphy, Newcastle's Academy manager Steve Harper said: "We are very pleased to have secured a deal to bring Alex to Newcastle United.
"He is a very promising young player who has attracted a lot of attention from clubs. It is a real coup for our Academy and is a testament to the direction the club is going in under our owners.
"I would like to thank everyone involved with Galway United for their assistance.
"The club has been a pleasure to deal with and I wish John Caulfield and his players the very best of luck for the rest of the season."
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