Ipswich have signed Irish defender, Dara O’Shea from Burnley.
Despite suffering relegation from Premier League to Championship with the Clarets at the end of last season, O’Shea impressed with four goals and assists apiece in 44 appearances across all competitions.
O’Shea subsequently became linked with Brentford and Wolves but Ipswich ultimately agreed a £15m deal, with £12m paid upfront plus a further £3m in add-ons.
In his first interview with TownTV after he signed a five-year contract until June 2029, O’Shea admitted that he couldn’t turn down the opportunity to join a club who had achieved promotion in consecutive seasons, plus play under Kieran McKenna.
“It was really hard not to pay attention to everything the team was able to achieve last season and to have the chance to join a club with such ambition and momentum was really attractive.
“The Manager (Kieran McKenna) was a huge part of why I wanted to come here and I’ve really admired what he and the team have done over the last couple of seasons, so at this stage of my career it’s the perfect time to make the move.”
O’Shea also spoke his desire to return to the top-flight as he continued: “I want to play in the Premier League and test myself against the best players in the world, which is something I want to do for as long as possible, and I can’t think of a better place to do that.
“I know quite a few of the lads in the squad and the style of play really suits me, where I can show my strengths and improve my weaknesses, so I’m looking forward getting to work as soon as possible and being part of the culture.”
O’Shea began his career at West Brom where he graduated through their academy but enjoyed a successful loan at Hereford in 2017-18 season, where he scored one goal in 10 outings.
A loan move to Exeter City followed in 2018-19 season but he failed to score in 33 appearances, before he eventually broke through into the Baggies’ first team in December 2019 and went on to net seven goals in 107 appearances.
O’Shea represents Republic of Ireland internationally and having graduated through their youth ranks, he has notched up 26 senior caps since his first-team debut in October 2020.