Tim Clancy provides update on Sean Murray and Jaden Umeh Cork City futures

Murray's loan deal from Glentoran is set to expire at the end of July while Umeh has been linked with a move to Benfica.

Wed, 26 Jun, 2024 - 16:28

Andrew Horgan

Cork City manager Tim Clancy has provided an update on the future of two key members of his squad: Sean Murray and Jaden Umeh.

Murray’s loan deal from Glentoran to City is due to expire at the end of July and reports have surfaced recently that the 30-year will return to his parent club ahead of their new season in the Northern Ireland Premiership.

Umeh, on the other hand, is currently attracting interest from Benfica and it is understood the 16-year-old, who is set to undergo surgery on a knee injury, is closing in on a move to the Portuguese Giants rather than remaining on Leeside until his 18th birthday, when he could then sign for a club in England, a route taken by his older brother Franco, who is currently at Crystal Palace.

“I would love to keep Sean,” began Clancy ahead of City’s home game against Bray Wanderers on Friday night.

“He’s Glentoran’s player. His loan is until the end of July so it’s up to Glentoran to make that decision on what they want to do.

“That ball is in their court but if Sean’s available to extend the loan or if there was a permanent deal or something I would love to get it done.

“His loan is up at the end of July, and they could turn around and say they want him back for pre-season or whatever, we don’t know.

“We haven’t spoken to Deckie (Declan Devine) at Glentoran at the minute with regards to Sean but I’m sure we will have that conversation in the coming weeks.

“Jaden has got his knee injury. There is still a lot of talk about Jaden leaving in this window and I think there is a high possibility that is going to happen.

“I’m sure if anything does get done and tied up, the club will announce it as soon as possible. As of yet, he is still our player, and he needs surgery on a cartilage issue in his knee so he won’t be seen on the pitch any time soon anyway.

“It’s not even been discussed how long he will be out for, we’ve no idea.

“Again, I still think it is highly likely that Jade will probably move on and that is brilliant. It’s the exact pathway we want for young players and talented kids.

“Jaden, at his age group, is one of the most talented kids in Europe. To be able to get into our first team, see him play maybe 10, 15, 20 games and for him to then get the move is exactly what we want for young kids.”