Republic of Ireland Under-21 international Cathal O'Sullivan has joined Preston North End following the expiration of his contract at Cork City.
The highly-rated 19-year-old is recovering from a second cruciate ligament injury sustained in his career.
O'Sullivan had looked set a move abroad before the injury struck in May in a match with Sligo Rovers.
The creative midfielder had clocked up 21 league appearances for Cork last campaign and made his Republic of Ireland Under-21 debut against Croatia in April 2025.
In the previous season he was chosen in the 2024 PFAI First Division Team of the Year after scoring seven times in 24 appearances.
City were unable to reach a deal to keep O'Sullivan so agreed a package with Preston for future add-ons if he becomes a success at the Championship club, as well as standard training compensation which would be a five-figure fee.
A Cork City statement read: "The club can confirm that an agreement has been reached with Preston North End in line with the FIFA Training Compensation regulations, which will also see the club stand to benefit in the future based on Cathal’s success.
"All at the club would like to thank Cathal for his contribution to the club and wish him every success in the future."
He was reportedly on the radar of several clubs, including Brentford, Crystal Palace and Celtic before the serious injury.
O'Sullivan will join their Under-21 side at first in the hope of making it into their first-team squad next season.
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