City looks likely to allow two young prospects to depart the club, reports from Ireland are suggesting.
The futures of Elicha Ahui and Hayden Cann have been discussed a bit over the summer, with supporters wondering where they fit into the current setup. It now looks like they’re set to head back to Ireland on permanent deals, with two clubs eyeing their services.
Elicha had a successful loan spell with Drogheda in 2022/23, but last season, he struggled to break into the Ayr side during a temporary spell. He then had a stint with Peterborough Sports, but it hasn’t been enough to convince the Imps he is ready to challenge for the first team. That’s alerted Drogheda, who are now thought to be close to finalising a deal for the wing back.
Ahui, who started his youth career with Nottingham Forest, is believed to have been weighing up his options over the last few weeks, but a move across the Irish Sea now looks likely. Doubtless, there will be a future interest in the player, should a deal be made.
Another player who looks like he is continuing his career in Ireland is Hayden Cann. Hayden took the opposite route to Elicha, appearing for Peterborough Sports before moving to Drogheda on loan last season. Cann is currently on loan with Drogs, having also appeared for Lincoln United and Gainsborough Trinity.
However, it isn’t Drogs that are reportedly eyeing Cann. He’s being lined up for a move to Dundalk, where Zak Bradshaw has recently been on loan. Cann has impressed during his time in Ireland, but his route to our first team seems to be blocked, meaning a permanent switch to Ireland seems like a good option.
What I like about these moves is that they’re not to non-league obscurity. For years, if we had academy players who didn’t quite make it, they ended up doing the round with local non-league sides, whereas moving to Ireland still gives the players a platform to impress. Not only that but if they do, we can retain a future financial interest in them.
I liked both Hayden and Elicha on the few occasions that I saw them, but the standard in League One is high. I do think if we were a League Two side, they might be closer to the first team, but we’re not. Therefore, it is in their best interests to go and get a permanent move somewhere, and take the next step in their careers.
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