In action for Arsenal's U23s. SIPA USA / PA Images
SIPA USA / PA Images / PA Images
ARSENAL HAVE BEEN known to take the odd, young talent from Barcelona’s La Masia down through the years, but Marcus McGuane is a player heading in the opposite direction.
The 18-year-old midfielder has been with the Gunners since joining as a six-year-old but it has been announced today that he will join Barca B after signing a three-year deal, which includes as €25 million buyout clause.
Advertisement
London-born McGuane represented the Republic of Ireland at U17 level as he qualifies through grandparents hailing from Cork, Limerick and Portlaoise.
At that point going under the surname ‘Agyei-Tabi’, he lined out for the Boys in Green at the U17 European Championships in May 2015.
McGuane (then known as 'Marcus Agyei-Tabi') featuring for Ireland against the Dutch at the U17 European Championships. Georgi Dimitrov / INPHO
Georgi Dimitrov / INPHO / INPHO
However, the teenager opted to switch allegiance to his birth country later that year and he has since gone on to earn caps for England at U17, U18 and U19 level.
McGuane’s contract at Arsenal was due to expire at the end of the season and a number of Europe’s top clubs were reportedly in for him.
The42 has just published its first book, Behind The Lines, a collection of some of the year’s best sports stories. Pick up your copy in Eason’s, or order it here today (€10):
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
Close
6 Comments
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic.
Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy
here
before taking part.
Ex-Ireland U17 midfielder joins Barcelona B from Arsenal
ARSENAL HAVE BEEN known to take the odd, young talent from Barcelona’s La Masia down through the years, but Marcus McGuane is a player heading in the opposite direction.
The 18-year-old midfielder has been with the Gunners since joining as a six-year-old but it has been announced today that he will join Barca B after signing a three-year deal, which includes as €25 million buyout clause.
London-born McGuane represented the Republic of Ireland at U17 level as he qualifies through grandparents hailing from Cork, Limerick and Portlaoise.
At that point going under the surname ‘Agyei-Tabi’, he lined out for the Boys in Green at the U17 European Championships in May 2015.
However, the teenager opted to switch allegiance to his birth country later that year and he has since gone on to earn caps for England at U17, U18 and U19 level.
McGuane’s contract at Arsenal was due to expire at the end of the season and a number of Europe’s top clubs were reportedly in for him.
The42 has just published its first book, Behind The Lines, a collection of some of the year’s best sports stories. Pick up your copy in Eason’s, or order it here today (€10):
West Brom have reportedly rejected a bid for James McClean
20-year-old Ogbene completes move from Limerick to Championship side Brentford
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
Highly regarded Marcus Agyei-Tabi Marcus McGuane Arsenal Barcelona England