Wolves complete O’Donnell signing

Wolves complete O’Donnell signing

Wolves Academy have completed the signing of Republic of Ireland youth international Luke O’Donnell.

The 17-year-old midfielder has arrived from Derry City and put pen-to-paper on a professional contract with the Old Gold.

O’Donnell made his senior debut for Derry back in November 2023, when he was still only 16, and signed a professional deal with the Candy Stripes in February this year.

A former Cockhill Celtic youth, O’Donnell has international experience with Ireland’s under-17s and competed in their European Qualifiers last season.

Academy manager for football, Jon Hunter-Barrett, is pleased to have secured the signature of a player the club have been keeping tabs on for a while and said: “Luke’s a boy we tried to sign a year ago so it’s been a real challenge for us but, most importantly, for Luke and his family to wait for this amount of time before officially signing for us.

“He’s another versatile player who can play as a six, eight or even as a centre back, which he’s shown he can do for his national team.

“Luke’s a great height and shape, and an athletic mover who can manage the ball. He’s another solid personality, someone who is consistent every day and we feel we can build a development block that’s going to be needed for him to sustain a career in the game moving forward.”

The versatile 17-year-old has been with the Old Gold since the age of eight and his risen up the development ladder at Compton Park.

A player who can play in midfield and defence, White was recently rewarded with a two-year scholarship and moved into the full-time environment as a first-year at the start of this season.

And his progression has shown no signs of slowing down, with the youngster playing above his years in James Collins’ under-21s.

Despite being an under-18, White has already featured in five out of six games for the 21s in 2024/25 and has impressed in the right-back position.

Academy manager for football, Jon Hunter-Barrett, said: “As always, it really pleasing to give a boy who’s been with the club since the age of eight his first professional contract.

“Alfie’s always been a consistent member of the group and the academy – everyone knows what they’re going to get from him because of his character and the way he goes about his work on a daily basis.

“He’s always shown his versatility, albeit he’s predominantly played as a six coming through the academy. So far, whatever we’ve put in front of him, he’s been able to go on and do and we’re excited to see how he progresses in the coming weeks and months.”