Ireland fans are rightly very excited by Nathan Collins.
The defender may only have a handful of international caps under his belt at this point, but his quality certainly shone through in those appearances. That is without even mentioning his form for Burnley last season, with the Kildare native shining during his debut season in the Premier League despite the club's relegation.
It always seemed likely that he would be on the move this summer, with a number of top flight clubs credited with an interest in his services. The likes of Newcastle United, Leeds United, Aston Villa, and Leicester City were all linked at one point or another.
However, it would be Wolves that would win the race for his signature. The centre back signed for the club in a £20.5million deal, becoming the most expensive Irish player in history in the process.
Nathan Collins explains Wolves move
Nathan Collins' career is certainly on the up. Still only 21-years old, Wolves seems like the ideal next step as he looks to go to the very top of the game.
Speaking to Express & Star, the Irishman explained why he chose to move to Molineux ahead of the other available options.
My agent called me at six in the morning and said ‘get yourself down to Wolverhampton, you have a medical’. I was half asleep and didn’t know where I was, and straight away I was on my way.
He said ‘just be prepared, you might travel to Spain’. I had the smallest bag ever packed and next thing I knew I was on a flight with the lads...
I didn’t have much time at Burnley. I only had two days’ training and then I came here and was full on from the start, which I enjoyed.
I feel good now for it. Coming into the group was easy. I was happy that the deal got done before they came here. It made it easier for me to settle in with the lads full on.
I feel settled here, it’s a good group and I’m looking forward to getting going now...
The interest. They wanted me. But I’ve played against them multiple times, I’ve seen the style of play, I’ve seen the players that are here and I’ve seen the ambitions.
I think it’s a good step for my career and I think they wanted me from the start.
They’ve been interested for a while and I feel wanted. So I thought it would be a good match.
Wolves are an ideal fit for the former Cherry Orchard man. He should play every week in a team that should be competing in the top half of the Premier League, something that will be a huge help in his development.
A player with the talents of Nathan Collins may not be at the club for too long. Should he continue on his current trajectory, he should go right to the top of the game.
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