Arsenal academy signing bids emotional farewell before January move
Victor Ozhianvuna has said his goodbyes to Shamrock Rovers, the club that raised him since he was six years old, as he prepares to complete his move to Arsenal in January.
The 17 year old midfielder, who turns 18 next year, will join Arsenal's academy ranks once his deal officially goes through. The transfer was first agreed back in October 2025, and was described at the time by Shamrock Rovers as a “landmark transfer in Irish football”, according to the Evening Standard.
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Ozhianvuna is regarded as one of the brightest prospects in Irish football. He made 37 senior appearances for Shamrock Rovers, the reigning League of Ireland Premier Division champions, and became the second youngest player ever to feature in the UEFA Conference League last year. He is also a Republic of Ireland Under-17 international and represented his country at last year's U17 World Cup in Qatar, though he will miss this month's tournament.
A heartfelt send off
Following a presentation with Shamrock Rovers director of football Ronan Finn and youth coach Tony Cousins, Ozhianvuna posted an emotional statement on Instagram reflecting on his 11 years at the club.
“After 11 amazing years, I'm saying goodbye to the club where I've made memories that I'll never forget,” he wrote. “I've met a lot of amazing people at the club and I've learned so much over the years as a footballer, but more importantly as a person and for that I'm forever grateful. I'd like to thank my coaches, my teammates and my friends and family for all the help over the years. I'd also like to thank the supporters for the constant love and support they've shown to me and to the club. The last few months have been difficult with an injury and I'm gutted to have not been able to play, but I couldn't have asked for a better way to sign off than winning the league and lifting the trophy in front of the fans. As I move on to the next stage in my career, I'll never forget the club that gave me a chance and I'm proud to say I've played for The Hoops. Forever grateful, Forever a Hoop.”
Ozhianvuna has not played since May due to a back injury, and Shamrock Rovers' season concluded with a 3-1 defeat to Dundalk on Friday, just before they were presented with the league title.
A boyhood Gunner arrives
Ozhianvuna is understood to have supported Arsenal since childhood, and expressed his excitement when the move was first confirmed. “Delighted to have signed for this amazing club that I have supported since I was a boy,” he said at the time. “Excited to get started. Thank you to everyone who has helped me get here and thank you God for everything you've done me.”
The deal is believed to be worth around £1.7million. Arsenal's recruitment of young talent from across Europe and beyond has been a consistent theme in recent years, and Ozhianvuna's arrival in January will add another promising name to the club's academy setup as he begins the next chapter of his development in north London.
