Exclusive: Premier League clubs in race to sign Bray sensation Billy O’Neill
Premier League and top European sides are chasing Irish teenage sensation Billy O’Neill, 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.
O’Neill, 17, became the youngest player to score a League of Ireland hat-trick since 1937 with his three goals against Kerry FC earlier this month.
Premier League scouts and clubs from Germany and France have made regular checks on O’Neill this season.
O’Neill helped Republic of Ireland Under-17s secured a historic first ever qualification for the World Cup and he is set to feature at the finals in Qatar next month where clubs across the world will be scouting the next generation of stars.
Billy O’Neill enjoyed breakout 2025 season
Having pushed his way into the Bray Wanderers senior team from the Academy in 2024, the number 19 has kicked on this season.
From 32 matches the Irishman has 12 goals and six assists in all competitions, reflecting the intense interest from clubs all over Europe.
O’Neill has amassed a whopping 79 shots with 35 of those coming on target, highlighting his appetite for finding the back of the net.
O’Neill to follow Irish superstars to the Premier League
There has been a recent explosion of breakthrough Irish players competing in the English top-flight and the striker could follow in their footsteps.
Bohemian FC’s Evan Ferguson broke through at Brighton and, whilst he has struggled in the last two seasons due to injury, is now on loan at Roma trying to revive his career.
Similarly, Cork City’s Jake O’Brien ventured over to Everton where he has become one of David Moyes’ go-to men in his backline.
Given the rise of young Irish talent, Premier League clubs will be bidding to land O’Neill as they fend off competition from European powerhouses.