Arsenal beat Liverpool to sign Northern Irish goalkeeper Phoenix Blayney

Arsenal have secured a pre-contract agreement for 16-year-old goalkeeper Phoenix Blayney from Northern Irish Premier League side Larne, beating competition from Liverpool and Nottingham Forest. The deal sees Larne receive a nominal compensation fee for his training and development, with Alan Blayney confirming his son will officially join this summer.

Phoenix will sign his pre-contract imminently, with a professional contract taking effect when he turns 17 in November 2027. His father described Arsenal's offer as 'the shining light among all options,' noting Phoenix's strong connection with the coaches and his appreciation for the setup. A key factor was friend Daniel McCarron already being at the club, as both players feature for the same Northern Ireland youth team.

The young goalkeeper had trials at both Arsenal and Liverpool earlier this year, including visiting Anfield facilities, but ultimately chose the Gunners. He will initially feature in Arsenal's Under-18 setup under head coach Adam Birchall, who took charge in October 2024 after Jack Wilshere's departure for senior management.

Phoenix represents one of Northern Ireland's emerging talents in goalkeeping, and this move continues Arsenal's strategy of recruiting promising young players to their Hale End academy.

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/06/22/transfer-arsenal-secure-signing-of-highly-rated-goalkeeper/