Official : Crystal Palace confirm signing of left-footed Flying Eagles-eligible player for youth team 

With a statement on their official website, Crystal Palace have confirmed the capture of Flying Eagles-eligible forward Franco Umeh.

The Eagles added that the promising teenager will initially start his Palace career with the U18 side coached by Rob Quinn.

Aged 18, Umeh has put pen to paper on a two-and-a-half year contract, keeping him at Selhurst Park until the end of the 2024-2025 season. 

He has joined Crystal Palace from League of Ireland Premier Division side Cork City, for whom he debuted at the tender age of 17 and made two further appearances for the first team before he was acquired by the English Premier League team. 

Although the transfer fee has not been disclosed, Cork City confirmed that they will also be rewarded financially if Umeh makes a certain number of appearances for the Premier League club and the Irish or Nigerian national team. 

In his first words as a Crystal Palace player, Umeh said : "I can't put it into words. I’m full of joy, it’s such a precious and priceless moment.

"The hard work starts now, I think we’re really going to step on the gas pedal. I feel like Palace has the coaches and the facilities to develop my game to an even better level."

Described as a tall, exciting, attacking player with blistering pace and a strong left-foot, Umeh has represented the Republic of Ireland at U17, U18 and U19 levels. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Photo Credit : cpfc.co.uk

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