Shelbourne sign Arsenal midfielder Jack Henry-Francis on multi-year deal

Shelbourne have announced the signing of Arsenal midfielder Jack Henry-Francis on a multi-year deal. Pic: ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne.

Shelbourne have announced the signing of Arsenal midfielder Jack Henry-Francis on a multi-year deal.

Henry-Francis was a regular presence in senior training sessions under Mikel Arteta and earnied a place in the first-team squad for a pre-season tour of Scotland at just 17.

The former Republic of Ireland U19 and U21 international joined Sligo Rovers on loan for the second half of the 2024 League of Ireland season, making 11 appearances in the Premier Division.

“Delighted to sign for Shelbourne and can’t wait to get started here," he told the club's official website.

"After speaking to Joey and everyone at the club it felt like the place for me to further my career. I’m looking forward to some important matches coming up and excited to see the fans."

Joey O’Brien, Shelbourne manager, said: “Jack’s a really talented midfielder with a brilliant foundation, coming through at Arsenal and spending time around their first team has given him a great grounding in the game. 

"His loan at Sligo Rovers gave him real exposure to senior football in this league, and he impressed in every game.

"We’re thrilled he’s chosen to join us at a really exciting time for the club. We believe this is the perfect environment for him to keep developing, and we’re confident he can grow into a top-class midfielder here.” 

Luke Byrne, Shelbourne FC Technical Director added: “Very happy to welcome Jack to the club. He is a very determined and ambitious young man and that is the type of player and person we want at Shelbourne FC.

"He plays with intensity and personality and likes to control games with the ball. Jack had been a target of ours for a long time so it’s great to finally have the chance to work with him and develop him to reach his full potential.”