‘It’s always been a dream to get a contract in England’ – Cork teen Joe O’Brien-Whitmarsh’s delight at Southampton move
Highly-rated Ireland U19 cap Joe O’Brien-Whitmarsh says it’s a “dream come true” to earn a crack at a cross-channel career after he completed his move to Southampton from Cork City.
The attacking midfielder (18) had attracted a lot of interest on the back of his breakthrough season with City last term, scoring four goals in 22 league games, though he was unable to prevent their relegation from the top flight.
Cross channel clubs were tracking the Fermoy native but Southampton, who had also been chasing Waterford teenager Romeo Akachukwu, won the race and confirmed his capture today. He joins on a deal, which will earn City a six-figure fee, keeping him at the club until 2027 and he will initially hook up with the Saints’ U21 squad.
“I’m absolutely buzzing, this is a dream come true really. Playing back home in Ireland it’s always been a dream to get a contract in England and it’s here now and I’m happy,” he told club media. “I’m a two-footed number 10, I love to get goals and chip in all over the place to create chances. It seems like an environment here that I can thrive in so I’m looking forward to it.”
Southampton said that O’Brien-Whitmarsh’s exposure to first team football with Cork was key in their decision. “Joe is a really positive addition to our Under-21s squad and Academy pathway, strengthening competition in our 8 and 10 positions. He’s already demonstrated his abilities at first-team level in Ireland and we’re looking forward to building, over the next three-and-a-half years, on the development and opportunities Cork City have provided him,” Academy Director Andy Goldie said.
A son of former Cobh Ramblers striker Paul Whitmarsh, he started his career locally with Fermoy FC and joined Cork City’s academy in 2019, signing a pro contract in 2021 though he had to wait until last year for his senior debut with City.
