Oxford United sign defender Luke McNally from Saints for undisclosed fee
21-year McNally-old has signed a three-and-a-half-year deal with the League One side after they fought off competition from rival clubs in England to secure his services. Credit: Michael P Ryan (ETPhotos)
St Patrick’s Athletic have confirmed the transfer of Ireland under-21 defender Luke McNally to Oxford United for an undisclosed fee.
The 21-year-old has signed a three-and-a-half-year deal with the League One side after they fought off competition from rival clubs in England to secure his services.
Saints had hoped to persuade the centre-half to stay but, according to a club press release, ‘Luke’s ambition is to play in England and we did not want to stand in his way.’
It is believed a five-figure fee will be paid to the Inchicore club with a range of add-ons in place to raise the fee over time.
The Enfield native was an ever-present in the league for the Saints in 2020, playing every minute and scoring once, and manager Stephen O’Donnell was keen to build his team around the youngster.
“It’s exciting to be joining a club like Oxford, especially with the run they are on at the moment,” McNally told the Oxford club website.
“The facilities are great, I spoke with the manager and he was so impressive in the plans that this club has - that was a big part of my decision.
“I’ve come in, been made to feel very welcome and now I can’t wait to get started.
“I want to thank everyone at St Pats, and those at Drogheda United, for what has been a brilliant few years for me on and off the pitch.
“I've gained great experience and enjoyed every minute of my time at St Pats from the Academy into the first team and my loan at Drogheda too.”
Saints boss Stephen O’Donnell added: “It’s been a pleasure working with and developing Luke over the last year and we wish him all the best in his new adventure.
“He has done his business right and applied himself really well at St Pat’s, and he now has an opportunity to go and persue his dreams in the UK.
“He has shown great potential, everyone from the club, myself, the staff, players and supporters wish him all the best and we’ll be following his career closely.”
McNally, who signed for the Athletic’s under-19s from Drogheda United, spent the 2019 season on loan with the Boynesiders’ senior side.
He scored nine goals in 32 games from defence for Tim Clancy’s side, including a hat-trick in the play-off semi-final win over Cabinteely, as Drogheda narrowly missed out on promotion.
Those eye-catching performance earned him a starting position when the 2020 season kicked off at Richmond Park, and admiring glances from overseas scouts followed.
“There were a lot of clubs interested so we are happy that he sees Oxford as a club where he can come over to England and hopefully continue to develop,” said Oxford boss Karl Robinson.
“He has been playing senior competitive football regularly and that has really helped him get used to the physical side of the game.
“He’s raw, perhaps, but he’s another we feel will go on and do really well for the club.”
