Newcastle United confirm permanent transfer for former AC Milan defender
Newcastle United have confirm a permanent exit for the former AC Milan defender.
Cathal Heffernan has left Newcastle United and joined League Two side Harrogate Town on a permanent basis.
The Republic of Ireland youth international joined the Magpies from AC Milan in the summer of 2023 after representing the Italian giants at under-18s and under-19s level.
Heffernan quickly established himself as a regular for United’s under-21s, making over 60 appearances in total, many of which came as captain.
Newcastle United confirm defender exit
Eddie Howe’s side currently have a number of defensive injuries but Heffernan has never been included in a matchday squad. The 20-year-old will now begin his senior career at Harrogate.
A club statement read: “Defender Cathal Heffernan has completed a permanent transfer to League Two club Harrogate Town.
“The 20-year-old joined the club in the summer of 2023 following his departure from AC Milan and quickly established himself as a regular within United's Under-21s squad.
“Cathal, who has regularly captained the Under-21s side since his arrival, has made 19 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring three goals. He featured against Harrogate Town when the young Magpies visited The Exercise Stadium for their EFL Trophy clash in November.
“Cathal made his senior debut at the age of 16 for hometown club Cork City in October 2021 and, after joining Milan on loan for the second-half of the 2021/22 campaign, made a permanent switch to the San Siro the following summer.
“He will now join Simon Weaver’s side who are in their sixth consecutive season in League Two following their first promotion to the English Football League in 2020.
“Everyone at Newcastle United would like to wish Cathal the very best of luck as he takes the next step in his career.”
Cathal Heffernan reacts to joining Harrogate Town
On joining Harrogate, Heffernan told their club website: “I'm buzzing, It's a massive move for me and my family and will be my first taste of men's football, so I'm just really excited to get going.” Heffernan revealed during his first interview.
“All the experiences in my career so far have been leading to this moment now, so if I can take all of that and put it together, then I think it'll give me a good shot.
“I'm grateful to the club for taking me here, this is a massive opportunity for me and I’m determined to repay the faith. I want to help the team get as many wins as possible and put in as many good performances as I can.”
Heffernan becomes the second player to secure a permanent exit this month after striker Ben Parkinson joined Scottish Premiership side Falkirk.