Newcastle can send another major transfer statement with shrewd move for history-making star
Newcastle United have been chasing a deal for exciting teenager Rory Finneran
Newcastle United have made light work of recruiting exciting, young talent in recent seasons and the Magpies can send another clear statement to their rivals by completing a deal Blackburn Rovers’ Rory Finneran this summer.
There is growing confidence Newcastle will fend off competition from clubs in England, Portugal and Germany to sign the Irish youngster, 16, who has already written himself into Blackburn’s
history books and impressed for his country at different youth levels. Finneran would likely only be used in the under-21 side upon arrival at St James’ Park but would still be an extremely exciting addition after a raft of promising purchases in the youth setup of late.
Blackburn have spent recent months fighting hard to persuade Finneran to sign a pro-deal at Ewood Park but knew it would be tough task given his rising profile and outside interest. Earlier this year the Lancashire outfit handed the teen a notable senior appearance at the age of 15 years, 10 months and eight days when he was used as a substitute in a FA Cup tie against Cambridge United, becoming Blackburn’s youngest ever player.
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The defensive midfielder is currently the captain of the Republic of Ireland under-17s and this time last year was crowned Under-15 International Player of the Year to recognise his performances away from club football. Former Newcastle striker Jon Dahl Tomasson played some part in Finneran’s rise, handing him that aforementioned appearance in Blackburn’s senior side earlier this year.
“We got the opportunity to give the first minutes to a very young boy, Finneran,” Tomasson said. “Congratulations to him and his family because they are also part of the journey.
“There is a great connection between the first team and the academy here, everybody can see there is a pathway and there is opportunity. Rory has very good quality on the ball, great vision. He is still only 15, very young, but it was a good moment to give him a nice experience and I think he will keep smiling for the next weeks, he has a lot of potential. He can play with his left and right foot, he can see things that other people can’t, he needs to develop a lot but I know he has a good attitude.”
