Blackburn's Connor O'Riordan joins Cambridge United on loan
Cambridge United add to their defence with Connor O'Riordan loan from Blackburn Rovers Credit: None
Cambridge United have strengthened their defensive line with the addition of Connor O’Riordan, who joins the club on a season-long loan from Blackburn Rovers.
The 20-year-old centre-back, who began his career at Crewe Alexandra, is Garry Monk's ninth signing of the summer transfer window.
O’Riordan first caught attention during his time with Crewe Alexandra, where he signed his first professional contract in June 2022 after progressing through their academy.
Following a successful loan spell at Raith Rovers and a promising start to the 2023/24 season, Blackburn Rovers secured his services in January 2024 on a four-and-a-half-year deal.
"I am really excited to be here," O'Riordan expressed.
"I just want to help the club as much as I can and help myself personally by playing as many games as I can. The way the gaffer wants to play football will suit my strengths and we both thought it would be a good fit. I have had a full pre-season so I am ready to go whenever I am needed - I am just excited to get going now."
Cambridge United manager Garry Monk also shared his enthusiasm about the new addition.
"Connor is a very talented young defender and we are really happy to have secured his services. He adds another dimension to our defensive options and will provide fantastic competition to the squad. I am looking forward to working with him this season and seeing him make an impact on the team."
Born in England, he is eligible to represent England, the Republic of Ireland and Scotland.
He has already been capped at under-20 level for Ireland and made his U21 debut in June 2023. Despite being called up by Scotland’s U21 squad in October, he chose to continue his journey with Ireland, adding to his international experience in their 2–1 victory against Latvia.
