New Southampton signing sets out ‘30,000’ St Mary’s ambition

The highly rated 18-year-old midfielder arrives on the South Coast after a breakout season in the League of Ireland, joining on a deal until 2027 and linking up with the under-21s.

Having risen through the ranks at Cork City, O'Brien-Whitmarsh only made his senior debut in March 2023 but went on to become a key player for The Rebels.

O'Brien-Whitmarsh spent a week on trial with Saints in December, where he was delivered a presentation about his personal fit at the club. 

His signing follows up the Autumn arrival of Reading youngster Thierry Rohart-Brown, 16, who has already trained with Russell Martin's first team. 

After signing his contract, he said: "I am absolutely buzzing, this is a dream come true really.

Academy director Andy Goldie welcomed the youngster to Staplewood (Image: Southampton FC)

"Playing back home in Ireland, it has always been a dream to get a contract here in England and it is here now so I am looking forward to getting going.

"I want to break into the first team, I want to play in front of 30,000 at St Mary's - I suppose that is everyone's dream, to play in front of those crowds. 

"Hopefully, they get promoted this season and it becomes a Premier League campaign with the first team soon enough."

O'Brien-Whitmarsh added: "I broke into the first team at the start of last season and became a regular. Unfortunately, we struggled as a team and went down. 

"But I felt I performed well enough and wanted to become a regular, which I did.

"Going down unfortunately overshadows anything but I clearly had done enough to be seen and I am happy to be here now."

Asked why he chose Saints over competition from the likes of Everton and Derby County - the latter offering early progression to the first team - his answer was clear.

O'Brien-Whitmarsh explained: "The style of football and the family feeling about it - it is a lovely place to be and everyone here has been so lovely.

"I think it's a perfect match. I am a two-footed 10 that loves to get goals. I like to chip in, create chances and score goals all over the place. 

Joe O'Brien-Whitmarsh's future is secured until 2027 (Image: Southampton FC)

"I am really looking forward to it. I came in for a week over December and the quality is through the roof so I think it's an environment I can thrive in.

"There will be challenges, leaving home and getting into a new style of football but I have had many challenges in my career in a short span."

Head of academy recruitment, Jack Chapman, added: “Joe is a bright, young player that has caught the eyes of a lot of clubs from around 15-16 years old.

“He's a determined personality who we're pleased to welcome and help showcase himself further.

"He compliments the players of a similar age already in the building, carrying the ball from midfield and scoring goals in and around the box.

"He'll enhance our competitive culture here and hopefully he flourishes like many of those around him."