Report: Irish winger rejects move to Leeds and other Championship sides

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The Irish Independent has claimed young Ireland winger Neil Farrugia has chosen to turn down the chance to move to England with Leeds United this summer, in order to remain in his home country.

The 20-year-old starlet has shone in University College Dublin’s side over the past two seasons, helping the club gain promotion to the top tier of Irish football last season – and impressing in their fight against the drop this time round.

Farrugia is desperate to remain at UCD for another season in order to complete his studies. He has a year left on his course, which is a degree in Biomedical Science.

Now an Ireland Under-21 international, Farrugia is said to have caught the attention of Championship clubs Leeds, Middlesbrough, QPR and Preston. He even spent time on trial with Manchester City’s Under-23 side.

However, Farrugia has opted against a move to England, instead remaining with UCD for at least another year after the 2019 campaign to complete his studies.

TBR’s view

Farrugia has enormous quality and is already showing the kind of potential to go on and become a Premier League star in years to come. But his decision also shows both maturity, and that he is brave.

It takes a lot of courage to reject a move to big Championship clubs in order to remain where he is and have faith in the process – this being to finish his degree.

Is it the right decision to ignore the clutches of Leeds and other teams? That question can be answered next summer when he could become available – and if the currently interested parties remain interested.