Galway United's 18-year-old winger Kyle Fitzgerald has completed a move to Newcastle United for an undisclosed fee.
The Republic of Ireland Under-17 international had a trial with the Magpies last summer, taking part in some of the under-21s' pre-season work in Spain.
He follows in the footsteps of defender Alex Murphy, who joined the Premier League side from Galway in the summer of 2022.
Fitzgerald has been at the Tribesmen since he was 14, when he arrived from Mervue United.
He signed his first professional contract at the end of 2023 and made his senior debut off the bench against Drogheda United at Eamonn Deacy Park last season.
Fitzgerald trained at Newcastle's academy this month ahead of the switch.
"I'm very happy," he said. "I had a few conversations with different clubs but as soon as Newcastle came in, it was a no-brainer for me. I was on trial in the summer and I really liked the city, people and the atmosphere at St James' Park. I want to play for fans who really enjoy hard work, goals and creative players.
"The project really attracted me. Steve Harper and Paul Midgley (the head of youth recruitment) showed me the pathway of players such as Alex Murphy, who has came through Galway's academy and then signed for Newcastle like myself."
Murphy was on the bench for Newcastle's FA Cup third-round win against Bromley before going on loan to League One Bolton Wanderers for the rest of the campaign.
He's a role model for Fitzgerald, who has big hopes of breaking into Eddie Howe's first team.
"I used to go to the same school as Alex but I was two or three years younger than him. I did look up to him because he was in Galway's first-team when I was at the academy. Hopefully, I can follow in similar footsteps.
"Short term, I want to show the academy why they signed me and try to get goals, assists and win games," he added.
"In the long term, it would be getting into the under-21s squad, playing well for them and showing my qualities.
"Hopefully, the gaffer can give me a chance in a few training sessions to prove myself to try and get into first-team matchday squads and, hopefully, make my debut for Newcastle United in the future."
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