Exclusive: Bristol City in pole position to sign Billy O’Neill
Bristol City are leading the chase to sign Irish teenage sensation Billy O’Neill ahead of several European sides, sources have told Football Insider.
The Bray Wanderers striker is regarded as one of the best prospects to come out of Ireland in recent years, and a move to the Championship could now be on the cards for the 17-year-old.
Football Insider revealed in November that a number of Premier League clubs were chasing O’Neill, but it is now Bristol City who have put themselves in the box seat to secure his signature.
The starlet helped the Republic of Ireland Under-17s secure a historic first ever qualification for the World Cup last year, and he also took on an increasingly important role at club level in 2025.
O’Neill netted 11 goals and added 12 assists from just 34 games for Bray last season, and that has quickly caught the attention of Bristol City and several sides across Europe.
Billy O’Neill was influential for Bray Wanderers last season
Bristol City are pushing for promotion to the Premier League this season, and they are now targeting a starlet who could become a hugely exciting player in the coming years.
The Championship play-off contenders have got their eyes fixed firmly on O’Neill after he played a key role for Bray Wanderers in a promotion push of their own in 2025.
The Seagulls ultimately fell short and ended the season third in the Irish second tier, but the youngster enjoyed the kind of season that was always likely to get his name noticed.
O’Neill’s final tally of 11 goals was the highest of any player in Bray’s squad, and his total of 12 assists alongside that also made him one of the division’s most creative players.
The attacker is out of contract with his current club in the summer, and it now appears inevitable that he will move on to a new challenge, given the interest that has developed in him.
Bristol City are currently at the front of the queue, and they will be keen to finalise their move for him as quickly as possible.
Bristol City’s play-off rivals push for club-record buy
Football Insider revealed on Monday that Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson was in France last weekend to take in Sidiki Cherif’s performance during Angers’ 0-0 draw with Paris FC.
The Red Dragons are pushing to secure the addition of the striker after a £19million bid, which could see him become their record signing.
Wrexham are one of Bristol City’s main rivals for a place in the play-off positions at the end of the season, and they currently sit one point ahead of the Robins in sixth place.
Gerhard Struber and Co. will be well aware that their rivals could be about to splash out an eye-watering sum of money for the second tier, knowing that it could potentially transform their battle for places in the second half of the campaign.