Sam Curtis completes move to Sheffield United

Sam Curtis has completed a switch from St Pat's to Premier League side Sheffield United.

The Saints confirmed on Thursday that Curtis has moved across the water for "an undisclosed international training compensation fee". He's been given a contract that runs until 2027.

The 18-year-old has long been on the radar of clubs across Europe. He joined St Pat's academy in the summer of 2021 having previously been at Shamrock Rovers, where he made his senior debut aged 14 for the club's reserve team in the First Division.

He didn't take long to make an impact in Inchicore, making his first-team debut in August 2021 against Waterford at Richmond Park.

Curtis went on to make 60 appearances for the Saints, scoring three times, and winning FAI Cups in 2021 and 2023.

The Republic of Ireland Under-21 defender will realistically have to bide his time before getting an opportunity with Sheffield United's first team, but the Blades are happy to give space to develop.

"Sam is one for the future, and we are looking forward to seeing how he progresses at Shirecliffe," boss Chris Wilder told the club's website.

"He's a player who [Blades assistant manager] Keith Andrews knows well, and we think he will benefit from being in our environment. Of course, we spoke about players that we were signing in January as potential starters, but Sam is different and we could not turn down the opportunity to bring him to United."

Curtis added: "I ultimately made the decision to come here because I think the club is on the rise and, obviously, Chris Wilder is back in as manager which is good.

"You can see that the club love him, and all the players really respect him.

"The thing which has impressed me so far is how I have been welcomed with open arms. Coming in, all