Drogheda United can confirm that defender Emmanuel Adegboyega has completed a transfer to Norwich City for an undisclosed fee.
Adegboyega became a mainstay in the Drogheda defence this season after making his league debut as a substitute against Shamrock Rovers in the second game of the season.
The 19-year-old now joins the Canaries after making 24 appearances in all competitions this season for Kevin Doherty’s side.
He scored his first professional goal in the 1-0 win over UCD in March, heading in Dayle Rooney’s free kick to secure all three points, and was nominated for the SSE Airtricity / Soccer Writers Ireland Player of the Month award for July alongside Adam Foley.
“In the space of five or six months, looking at where I’m heading, it’s drastic, it’s life changing to be honest. What the club has done for me, the coaching, the staff, the players, especially my teammates. They have helped me come this far, all I can say is thank you.”
“Kev was a former centre half aswell. Daire, both of them were in England, the things I learned from them, week in week out in training, thank you to both of them,” Adegboyega explained.
“To play in it week in, week out, the fans here were exceptional. They even started a chant for me last week. It’s a shame because I wish I could hear more and more of it. But even the little stuff like that, I love it, it’s fantastic.
“Everyone (was a big help to me), all I can say is thank you for everything you have done for me, and the support, they were very good to me,” Adegboyega said.
Manager Kevin Doherty also reflected on Adegboyega’s time at the club.
“It will be a big loss. I didn’t want him to go obviously. As a player, he was brilliant, I’d have loved to have kept him for the rest of the season and we did everything we could but for Manny himself it’s a really amazing move.
“Even in the short time with us, how much he’s improved, he’s been excellent for us. He has a big future, it was a great signing for us to be able to get him back. We knew he had that potential. Did I think he was going to be that good straight away? I was probably surprised at how quick he settled in.
“He has all the attributes to go on and have a really great career. Never mind the football attributes, but as a man. He has the right temperament, the right attributes, he works so so hard,” Doherty said.
Everyone at Drogheda United thanks Emmanuel for his contribution during his time at the club, and wishes him all the best in the future.
Full quotes are available in interviews with Emmanuel Adegboyega, and our management team of Kevin Doherty and Daire Doyle. Links below.
Full interview with Emmanuel Adegboyega: https://youtu.be/ZVDaGFQcxa0
Full interview with Kevin Doherty / Daire Doyle: https://youtu.be/Lq_Z_3XMH0A