Burnley have signed defender, Dara O’Shea from West Bromwich Albion for £7m.
O’Shea is the second defender to join Burnley this month after Jordan Beyer’s loan deal was made permanent, as Vincent Kompany’s Clarets prepare for a return to the Premier League after being promoted as Championship champions following just one season in the second-tier.
The 24 year-old had a £8m release clause in his contract but having failed to secure promotion in the last two seasons following relegation from the top-flight, West Brom accepted a £7m bid in order to generate additional income without parachute payments.
Speaking to burnleyfootballclub.com after signing a four-year contract until June 2027, O’Shea commented: “It feels great to be here and I really can’t wait to get going. Burnley were the outstanding team last season and they achieved exceptional things.”
O’Shea also spoke of his desire to develop his game as he added: “I want to improve as a player first and foremost and I want to help the club achieve their goals.
“I’m at the stage of my career now when I want to push myself. I want to be the best I can be and this is the club that can help me do that and I can help them too.”
Kompany added: “It’s great to welcome Dara to Burnley and we know he can play a big part in the progression of our football club.
“Strong at the back as well as confident moving forward, a leader with experience and knowledge of playing at the highest level.”
West Brom issued the following statement upon completion of O’Shea’s move: “Dara will always be welcome at The Hawthorns and leaves with the best wishes of everyone associated with the club.”
O’Shea first joined West Brom in 2015 from Ireland’s St. Kevin’s Boys and after loan spells at Hereford and Exeter City, he went on to score seven goals in 107 appearances for West Brom during which he was part of their promotion-winning 2019-20 squad which suffered relegation the next season.
Last season saw O’Shea handed the captaincy in a 5-2 home win over Hull at The Hawthorns, in a game where he scored the Baggies’ fifth goal.
O’Shea represents Republic of Ireland in international football and has made 19 appearances since he stepped up to the senior squad in October 2020.
“Honour and a privilege”
O’Shea penned an open farewell letter to West Brom fans in which he described playing for the club as “an honour and a privilege”, with the club having “played a massive part in shaping me into the man I am today.”
Reflecting upon his memories at the Baggies, O’Shea said: “I can think of so many special, special moments in the eight years I’ve spent here.
“On the pitch, I think back to making my debut against Millwall in the Carabao Cup, making my league debut against Brentford, scoring my first goal in the middle of storm Ciara down at The Den, winning promotion, playing in the Premier League and winning individual awards.”
O’Shea also praised West Brom for helping him become an international player for Republic of Ireland, which he described as a “dear” moment for himself and his family having believed that he wouldn’t of been capable of representing Ireland without their support.
The Irish international however felt that being captain against Hull City in August 2022 is the “greatest honour” of his career so far, as he explained: “Legends of this football club have worn the armband and it was such an incredible moment for me and my family to be given that responsibility and privilege.”
O’Shea proceeded to express hope that he has shown how much being captain meant to him, as he continued: “I hope I’ve always demonstrated to the supporters, staff members and my team-mates just how much the role meant to me and how seriously I took the responsibility.
“Being captain of this wonderful football club is one of the best things I’ve ever experienced in football and in life.
O’Shea also explained his reasons for wanting to move on whilst vowing to still support the Baggies as he detailed: “Everyone close to me knows how ambitious I am and the opportunity to play in the Premier League was an opportunity I simply couldn’t turn down.
“I want to be the best player I can possibly be and play in the biggest games at some of the best venues in world football, and I believe making this move at this point in my career is the right decision.
“I am excited about my new challenge, but there is so much I’ll miss about West Bromwich Albion. The staff, my team-mates and you, the supporters, who have shown me nothing but love and respect at all times. Thank you so, so much for doing that.
“I will be back at The Hawthorns supporting the lads as many times as possible both this season and in the future.
“I wish the club every success and I leave with Albion having a special place in my heart.”
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