Vinnie Leonard

Dundalk FC could be set for another financial windfall from a player sale with a number of UK clubs stepping up their interest in young defender Vinnie Leonard


Having sold 19-year-old left back Sean Keogh to Brighton at the start of the month for an undisclosed fee, The Argus understands that an even more lucrative deal could be in the offing for 17-year-old Leonard.
Championship sides Norwich City and Swansea City are both keen on the Irish underage international, with the Welsh outfit understood to be leading the charge for his signature at present.
Scottish champions Celtic are also keen on Leonard, with their scout Willie McStay visiting Oriel Park for last month’s FAI Cup clash with Sligo Rovers to monitor the defender, as well as the Bit O Red’s Owen Elding.
While Dundalk lost 2-0 on the night, Leonard impressed, just as he has done all season for Ciarán Kilduff’s side and while it is believed the Swans are heading the race for his signature at present, Celtic head coach Brendan Rodgers is understood to have got involved in the talks to help entice the young talent to Celtic Park.
The teenager from Kilberry in Co Meath has been one of the Lilywhites’ stand-out performers this season, featuring in all bar one of the club’s 27 league matches to date and scoring twice as the Oriel Park outfit push to secure the First Division title and an instant return to the Premier Division.


Indeed, the only game Leonard missed was the 2-1 win at home to Longford Town in March when he was away with the Republic of Ireland U17s. The centre back is expected to be part of the squad which will compete at the U17 World Cup in Qatar this November.
While a deal for Leonard could be secured at any stage, Dundalk are believed to be working on the principle of a deal that would secure a financial return now, with the player remaining at Oriel Park until next summer.
As Leonard doesn’t turn 18 until March 21, Brexit rules prevent him from moving to the UK until the first window after he becomes an *. This could suit all parties, however, as not alone would it allow him to remain at Oriel Park for the first half of next season and continue his footballing education, he could also complete his Leaving Cert at O’Carolan College in Nobber, where he is about to enter sixth year.
A similar process was arranged in February when Mason Melia agreed to join Tottenham Hotspur next January while continuing to play for St Patrick’s Athletic until then.
While an exact fee for Leonard has yet to be agreed, it is understood it would eclipse what the club received for Keogh and go a long way to helping the club prepare for what they will hope will be a return to the Premier Division in 2026.
The club are also working behind the scenes on another potentially lucrative deal which will hopefully come to light in the coming weeks.

 

Anyone seen him play? Happy we’re looking to that market though, we don’t do it enough weirdly.

 

Sounds like a mob boss from a Guy Ritchie film.

 

Which king of England was Vincent Leonard?

 

Fml

 

"that's Vinnie 'The Violin' Leonard"

"Why's he called the Violin?'

"Cause he strings people up!"

 

Surely to fk we should be looking for better