17-year-old Meath native Sam Curtis has taken the League of Ireland by storm these past few months. He is one of the league's most promising talents and he seems to be in the form of his life.
The Saints man has produced some fine displays of football for both club and country so far this season. His sublime header in the 56th minute was the difference in the Dublin Derby between themselves and Shelbourne.
Young Sam Curtis rises highest to give St. Pat’s the edge! #LOI | #SHEPAT
pic.twitter.com/Uw3ljVzMi7— League of Ireland (@LeagueofIreland) May 19, 2023
Sam Curtis' solid performances and consistency in games are starting to earn him attention from clubs outside of Ireland, who are hoping to sign the young talent.
The Twitter account United Authentic claimed Manchester United are 'monitoring the situation' with Curtis. Now, @UtdAuthentic has less that 100 followers on Twitter, so it's not the most respected name in the world of football transfers.
But it's a fact that Curtis is one of the best teenage footballers that Ireland has produced and that many of Europe's biggest clubs are taking note. Football Insider reported in October that Man City were trying to sign Curtis on the back of a trial with Roma.
They reported that Curtis has also done trials at Bayer Leverkusen and Feyenoord.
Jon Daly, manager of St Pat's, admitted in March that the club are expecting many clubs to be interested in the highly-rated teenager when he turns 18 in December.
“He’s fantastic and a great talent. He has an aggression in his game that you don’t really see in younger players. Quality-wise, he's been very good. He’s still learning the game and we’re hoping he keeps improving'' Daly said.
Due to Brexit laws in England, if Man United were to sign Curtis they would have to wait till December 2023 when Curtis finally turns 18 on December 1st.
“When he turns 18, the club will deal with that when it happens. The old pros around him won’t let him get ahead of himself. He’s got a good head on his shoulders and we’re very pleased with what he’s done so far.”
🚨| Manchester United are monitoring the situation of 17 year-old Irish right-back Sam Curtis.
Man City, Chelsea, Roma, Bayer Leverkusen & Feyenoord have also been linked with the highly rated youngster🔴🇮🇪#MUFC pic.twitter.com/QfqOZEhF14— United Authentic (@UtdAuthentic) June 6, 2023
Sam Curtis' Career So Far
Sam Curtis made his senior debut for St Pat's in August 2021, in a 2-1 win over Waterford at Richmond Park. Curtis was only 15 years and 255 days old making him the club's youngest-ever player to get kitted out and play for the senior side at the time.
Following an impressive year with the team, Curtis earned his first professional contract with St Pat's, signing with them in January 2022.
The former Park Villa and St Kevin's Boys man became St Pat's youngest-ever starter in the modern era (aged 16) against Drogheda United in May 2022. He has also represented Ireland at U15, U16, U17, U18 and U19 level and has captained his country.
He just recently earned a call up to the u21 squad for their June international friendlies against Gabon, Ukraine and Kuwait.
Curtis isn't the only St Pat's player who is being monitored by big clubs outside of Ireland. Despite being only 15 years old, Mason Melia is starting to be noticed by Europe's top leagues.
The forward became the youngest player to play for St Pat's in the League of Ireland earlier this month and is now performing on the international stage.
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