A Co Fermanagh teenager has agreed to sign to Premier League giants Arsenal from next season
A Co Fermanagh teenager has agreed to sign to Premier League giants Arsenal from next season.
Daniel McCarron has already made his senior debut for Dungannon Swifts this season and had been tipped for big things by manager Rodney McAree.
The 16-year-old has represented Northern Ireland U15, Northern Ireland U17 and captained the 2024 County Fermanagh Junior Super Cup side. A year ago, he was selected to represent Northern Ireland in the UEFA Development Tournament held in Cyprus and captained the team on one occasion.
The Swifts starlet has also attended the Arsenal Youth Academy as a trialist and he was selected in the Arsenal U17 team that participated in the Flamengo Adidas Cup in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 12 months ago. The world-renowned London club went on to win the tournament.
A statement on the clubs website, Arsenal.com, read: “We have reached an agreement for young defender Daniel McCarron to join us from Northern Irish side Dungannon Swifts, as part of our 2026/27 scholar intake.
“The player has also signed a pre-contract agreement that will lead to him signing professional terms with us. “The 16-year-old, who has been part of the Dungannon Swifts first team squad in the NIFL Premiership this season, is a versatile centre-back with the ability to play on both sides.
A Northern Ireland youth international, who has already spent a successful time on trial with us, Daniel will join up with the rest of our new scholars in July this year, ahead of next season.
“Everyone at Arsenal welcomes Daniel to the club and looks forward to supporting him with his continued development.”
Dungannon Swifts added: We’re delighted to announce that 16-year-old defender Daniel McCarron has signed a pre-contract with Arsenal FC.
Daniel has represented Northern Ireland at U15, U16 and U17 level and heads to Spain next week with the U17s.
“A key part of Dungannon Swifts NI Cup-winning and Cross-Border Championship teams, Daniel will remain with DSFC for the remainder of the season while completing his studies before joining the London club.
“Everyone at Dungannon Swifts are incredibly proud of what Daniel has achieved so far and we wish him every success in this next stage of his football career.”
McCarron local GAA team, St Joseph’s GAC Ederney, also sent their congratulations, stating: “Daniel is a massively talented footballer and hurler.
Its a massive achievement for Daniel and as a Club we are extremely proud. Ederney and Fermanagh GAA loss is certainly Arsenal’s gain.”