Sheffield United have signed Cork native John Egan for a reported club record fee, believed to be in the region of £4million.
I am absolutely delighted to have signed for @SUFC_tweets today. I can’t wait to get started and be part of this great club. Looking forward to getting going with the lads now can’t wait to see you all at the Lane! ⚔️😀🔴⚪️ pic.twitter.com/8LLj2M2r9o
— John Egan (@JohnEgan92) July 19, 2018
The two-time capped Irish international makes the switch from championship rivals Brentford where he had been plying his trade since 2016.
Egan, son of Kerry GAA legend John Sr, started his career at youth level with Sunderland FC before loan spells with Crystal Palace, Sheffield United, Bradford City and Southend United eventually led to him signing for Gillingham in 2014.
His performances for Gillingham earned him Player of the Year honours in his first season. Following on from an impressive first season Egan was then named in the League One PFA Team of the Year for the 2015-2016 season.
After rejecting the offer of a new contract, he signed for Brentford at the conclusion of the 2015-2016 season and was later made club captain for the previous season where they finished in 9th place and kept 15 clean sheets.
I would like to thank the manager, staff, players, fans and everyone @BrentfordFC for everything over the last couple of years. It’s been an honour to play for and captain the club. I wish you all the best for the future 👍🏻🐝
— John Egan (@JohnEgan92) July 19, 2018
Having represented the Republic of Ireland at U17, U19 and U21 level, Egan made his international debut in March of 2017, starting in a friendly against Iceland at the Aviva Stadium.
The club announced Egan’s arrival yesterday via the club’s website where he said, “It’s been a long time since I was first here, but it fantastic to be back at such a big club,”
“When a manager, especially one of Chris’s stature wants to sign you so much, as a player it makes you feel really wanted.
“As soon as I heard of United’s interest and having spoken to the manager I was eager to get the deal over the line.
“I’ve two fantastic years at Brentford, I can’t speak about them highly enough and we had a very good team there.
“But now I really want to kick on at Sheffield United. I love a team in red and white stripes and I just can’t wait to get going again at Bramall Lane.
“I’ve been back with Gillingham and last season with Brentford, the place was rocking on the opening day of the season.
“The fans have always been unbelievable here and I can’t wait to walk out as a Blade now.”
⚔️📝 DONE DEAL | @SUFC_tweets make a club record signing 🔴⚪️⚫️ #twitterblades #ForgedAsOne #sufc pic.twitter.com/kK4AdGew2H
— Sheffield United (@SheffieldUnited) July 19, 2018
