Defender, Cathal Heffernan has joined Newcastle United on a free transfer.
Heffernan primarily plays as a centre-back and has spent the last 18 months at AC Milan as part of their youth set-up, after having graduated through the youth academy at Ireland’s Cork City to make his senior debut aged 16 years-old in October 2021.
The 18 year-old left AC Milan at the end of his contract in June and spent last month on trial with Newcastle Under-21s, and has now completed a permanent switch to the Magpies.
Speaking to nufc.co.uk about his move to Tyneside, Heffernan described the move as “surreal” as he aims to be part of their future, as he explained: ” It’s definitely a club that is on the rise and with a lot of history.
“During the last week, I’ve been so excited to get started and I’m now looking forward to a big season ahead.”
Heffernan will join up with Newcastle’s Under-21s squad and he reflected upon the support of his teammates and locals, as he added: “The first thing I noticed when I arrived on trial was the lads were really welcoming and I just want to carry that on into the season, getting to know them more.
“The people of Newcastle are also really nice, too.”
The 18 year-old also spoke of how his experience at AC Milan will benefit him at Newcastle as he continued: “I have become a much better defender during my time at AC Milan and I learnt so many things to improve my game during my two seasons in Italy which should stand me in good stead for the future.
“The goal, when playing Academy football, is to try and break into a first-team as quick as you can and, hopefully, I can do that at Newcastle United.”
Heffernan is Newcastle’s second signing from AC Milan this summer, after Sandro Tonali completed a big-money move last month.
Heffernan has represented Republic of Ireland at international youth level from U15 to U18 levels.
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