Looking at the current Ireland squad, there is no doubt that centre back is the position where new manager Heimir Hallgrimsson has the most potential options to choose from.
Ireland possess quite a bit of depth in that area. The likes of Nathan Collins, Dara O’Shea, and Answer Omobamidele are all young players that have shown they are capable of impressing at Premier League level, while Liam Scales and Jake O’Brien are also look like hugely promising talents.
Add to that the more experienced players such as John Egan and Shane Duffy, and all of a sudden there are a wealth of options to consider at the heart of the defence.
It is also likely that a few more names will play themselves into considering in the near future, with Mark McGuinness perhaps the most obvious candidate.
The 23-year old has been an impressive operator at Championship level for a couple of seasons, impressing since moving to Cardiff City in 2021. He has now moved a bit higher up the ladder in that division, joining Luton Town in a deal reportedly worth £10million.
That is a huge transfer fee for a player in the Championship, one that is also set to benefit Arsenal.
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Arsenal Set To Benefit After Big Money Move For Irish Defender
Born in Slough to a father from Derry, Mark McGuinness would join the Arsenal academy as a ten-year old before advancing through the youth ranks at the club. He would not quite manage to make a first team breakthrough at The Emirates, eventually joining Cardiff City.
A clause inserted in that transfer has also now landed them an extra windfall.
The Evening Standard are reporting Arsenal are set to receive around £2million after Mark McGuinness’ move to Luton Town, having inserted a 30 per cent sell on clause into the previous deal with Cardiff City.
Such practice has become commonplace among the Premier League elite in recent times, with Liverpool having also received a significant fee after Dominic Solanke’s recent move from Bournemouth to Spurs.
Mark McGuinness will no doubt be aiming for promotion to the Premier League with Luton Town this season, even if the club have experienced a disappointing start to their Championship campaign.
An Ireland call-up is also sure to be on his list of targets, with the player having earned 13 caps for the nation at U21 level. He is someone to keep a close eye on over the coming months.
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