IRELAND INTERNATIONAL JOHN Egan has officially swapped one Championship club for another.
The 25-year-old, who has two Ireland caps, has joined Sheffield United from Brentford for what the Yorkshire club has confirmed is a club-record fee – believed to be in the region of £4m.
The centre-back, who started his career at youth level with Sunderland, joined the Bees on a free transfer from Gillingham in 2016.
The Cork native – son of the late Kerry GAA great by the same name – had also been linked with a move to Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds. He made 34 appearances in all competitions for Brenford last season, but was not always an automatic starter for the team.
I would like to thank the manager, staff, players, fans and everyone @BrentfordFC for everything over the last couple of years. It’s been an honour to play for and captain the club. I wish you all the best for the future 👍🏻🐝
— John Egan (@JohnEgan92) July 19, 2018
⚔️📝 DONE DEAL | @SUFC_tweets make a club record signing 🔴⚪️⚫️ #twitterblades #ForgedAsOne #sufc pic.twitter.com/kK4AdGew2H
— Sheffield United (@SUFC_tweets) July 19, 2018
“It’s been a long time since I was first here, but it fantastic to be back at such a big club,” Egan told Sheffield United’s website upon the announcement of his signing.
“When a manager, especially one of Chris’s stature wants to sign you so much, as a player it makes you feel really wanted.
“As soon as I heard of United’s interest and having spoken to the manager I was eager to get the deal over the line.
“I’ve two fantastic years at Brentford, I can’t speak about them highly enough and we had a very good team there.
“But now I really want to kick on at Sheffield United. I love a team in red and white stripes and I just can’t wait to get going again at Bramall Lane.
“I’ve been back with Gillingham and last season with Brentford, the place was rocking on the opening day of the season.
“The fans have always been unbelievable here and I can’t wait to walk out as a Blade now.”
I am absolutely delighted to have signed for @SUFC_tweets today. I can’t wait to get started and be part of this great club. Looking forward to getting going with the lads now can’t wait to see you all at the Lane! ⚔️😀🔴⚪️ pic.twitter.com/8LLj2M2r9o
— John Egan (@JohnEgan92) July 19, 2018
Meanwhile, another Irish international, David McGoldrick, could also be set to join the Blades, after his release by Ipswich was confirmed last month.
The 30-year-old is currently on trial with the club, and manager Chris Wilder praised his performance in Tuesday night’s 3-2 friendly win over Bradford City.
“He showed his class,” Wilder told reporters. “We are after Championship players and he has played at the top end of the Championship all his career.
“I am not a snob where I get my players from. He is a really good all-round technical player who wants to earn a contract.”
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