Northern Ireland U17 forward Omari Kellyman has sent a message of thanks to Derby County after agreeing a move to Steven Gerard’s Aston Villa.
Kellyman, who has scored twice in three appearances for Northern Ireland U17s, has been snapped up by the Premier League club for a reported fee of approximately £600,000.
Confirming the move on social media, Kellyman said he was “delighted to announce that I have officially joined Aston Villa football club.”
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And the 16-year-old also sent a classy farewell message to Derby where he has spent the past 10 years and was named on Wayne Rooney’s first-team bench earlier this season.
Kellyman, who has played mostly for Derby’s U18s, said: "After a weird few weeks I can finally say a proper farewell to Derby County.
"Unfortunately my time at the club has come to an end but the game takes you where you have to go.
"First of all I would like to thank all of the players and staff that have helped me along my journey so far over the past 10 years.
"I am grateful for all the memories I have made and the opportunities I've been given and I appreciate absolutely everything this club has done for me.
“I can't thank my teammates and the staff enough for making me into the player and person I am today. So grateful for this amazing club #DTID."
Kellyman, who was born in Derby, scored on his Northern Ireland U17 debut in a 3-2 defeat to Scotland in October.
He versatile forward also scored in a 2-2 draw with Albania U17s at the BetMcLean Oval in November.
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