Umeh joins Crystal Palace

Cork City FC can confirm that Franco Umeh has joined Crystal Palace.

The attacker joins the Premier League club for an undisclosed fee, with a deal that will also see the club benefit in the future.

Umeh joined the club at underage level from Ringmahon Rangers and progressed on to the first team in 2022.

Speaking on confirmation of the transfer, Cork City manager Colin Healy said: “Franco has done really well for us, and it was no surprise to us that there was a lot of interest in him. Since he came into the academy, he has progressed and that is a testament to the coaching he has received and his own talent and hard work. He came into the first team squad last year and dealt well with the step-up. This is a great opportunity for him, and we wish him the very best of luck for the future.”

City’s Head of Academy, Liam Kearney, commented: “We are pleased to be now in the space where the deals we are doing see not just improvements in the fees we receive up front, but also future benefits to the club from appearances of players at their new clubs and international appearances. Franco has worked really hard to get this opportunity and I have no doubt that he will continue working hard to make the very best of the opportunity. He is a player with a lot of talent, but also a really good person and he leaves with the best wishes of everyone at the club.”