Transfers between Premier League giants West Ham United and clubs based on the other side of the Irish sea have been fairly commonplace this summer.
Glentoran wonderkid Joel Kerr agreed a move to West Ham at the end of May. Another Northern Ireland Under-17 international, Callum Leacock joined from Linfield less than two months later.
This week, it was the turn of Sean Moore to pack his bags.
But, after two years in the claret and blue of West Ham United, Moore heads in the other direction. The former Cliftonville starlet joins Shelbourne in an attempt to fulfil the ‘huge potential’ which earned him a spot in the NIFL Premiership Team of the Year at the age of just 17, as well as the Young Player of the Year award.
Joey O’Brien brings Sean Moore to Shelbourne from West Ham United
West Ham agreed a deal worth up to £500,000 when signing Sean Moore a couple of summers’ ago.
But, having fallen short of the sky-high standards required in English football, the bonuses and add-ons inserted into his contract by Cliftonville look destined to go to waste.
Though, still only 19, a familiar face in the Shelbourne dugout lands himself a footballer with so much natural talent and plenty of time on his side.
“Sean’s a top young player with huge potential,” says Joey O’Brien, the former Republic of Ireland international who spent five years as a West Ham right-back from 2011 to 2016.
“He came into the game at a young age with Cliftonville and earned a great education over in England with West Ham. Now, he’s ready to kick on with the next stage of his career, and we’re delighted he’s put his trust in us.
“He’s an exciting player to watch, really positive in how he plays the game. He can play in multiple positions on both sides of the pitch, which gives us great flexibility.”
The Belfast-born whizzkid represented Northern Ireland at Under-18 level before switching allegiances to the Republic, forcing his way into their Under-21 set-up.
Moore made 20 appearances for Mark Robson’s West Ham outfit in Premier League 2 last season, meanwhile, scoring five goals and providing two assists
“Sean is a really exciting talent with lots of potential and we are looking forward to working with him to develop that talent,” adds Luke Byrne, Shelbourne FC’s Technical Director.
“He is a young Irish player who definitely fits the profile that we want to add to the squad. We’re very happy he has chosen Shelbourne as the best place to continue his career.”
Moore ‘buzzing’ with Hammers exit as another youngster makes his move
Moore will celebrate his 20th birthday in August. He is also just eight away from potentially completing a half-century of first-team appearances almost immediately after exiting his teenage years.
“I’m absolutely buzzing to be here [at Shelbourne],” Moore beams.
“Shelbourne is a massive club and I’m delighted to get the deal done. I’m ready to get to work, hit the ground running, and show the fans what I’m all about.”
Moore is the latest young player to leave West Ham this summer, either on a temporary or a permanent basis.
The Luton Town fans ‘will love’ Gideon Kodua, Hatters boss Matt Bloomfield said after reuniting with a midfielder he worked with during a previous loan spell at Wycombe Wanderers.
Loans and Pathways Manager Carlton Cole admits West Ham plan to farm out goalkeeper Mason Terry too. Michael Forbes joins Kevin Nolan’s Northampton Town alongside Kamarai Swyer, while Patrick Kelly joined League One promotion-chasers Barnsley on Monday.
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