Ipswich Town sign Dara O’Shea from Burnley
Irish international Dara O’Shea commits to Ipswich Town for five years Credit: Eddie Lennon (ETPhotos)
Ipswich Town have announced the signing of Republic of Ireland international defender Dara O’Shea from Burnley.
The 25-year-old centre-half has agreed to a five-year contract, which will see him remain at Portman Road until the summer of 2029.
O’Shea, who progressed through the academy at West Bromwich Albion, made over 100 appearances for the Baggies before moving to Burnley in June 2023, shortly after their promotion to the Premier League.
He made his debut for the Clarets against Manchester City early last season and scored his first goal for the club against Liverpool at Anfield in February.
The Irish international has represented the Republic of Ireland at various youth levels and has earned 26 caps for the senior team. In 2021, he was honoured as the FAI Young Player of the Year.
“I’m really excited to sign for the club,” O’Shea shared with TownTV. He continued,
“It was really hard not to pay attention to everything the team was able to achieve last season, and to have the chance to join a club with such ambition and momentum was really attractive.”
The defender expressed his admiration for Ipswich Town’s manager, Kieran McKenna, as a significant factor in his decision to join.
“The manager was a huge part of why I wanted to come here and I’ve really admired what he and the team have done over the last couple of seasons,” O’Shea said.
“At this stage of my career, it’s the perfect time to make the move.”
O’Shea also spoke about his aspirations for the future, noting his desire to compete at the highest level.
“I want to play in the Premier League and test myself against the best players in the world, which is something I want to do for as long as possible, and I can't think of a better place to do that,” he stated.
He added that he is eager to integrate into the squad and feels the team’s style of play aligns with his abilities.
“I know quite a few of the lads in the squad and the style of play really suits me, where I can show my strengths and improve my weaknesses, so I’m looking forward to getting to work as soon as possible and being part of the culture.”
