Ferizaj snapped up by Crawley Town, O'Dwyer on verge of Bayern Munich move

Josh O’Dwyer captains Ireland’s U16 and spent time at Bayern in December at the invitation of the Bundesliga champions.

Justin Ferizaj celebrates. Pic: James Crombie/Inpho

Highly-rated midfielder Justin Ferizaj has been snapped by Crawley Town on a two and a half year deal.

There was widespread surprise when Bray Wanderers released the 21-year-old in November, just days after he’d scored the goal which set up their promotion/relegation playoff decider against Waterford.

Bray ultimately lost 2-1 and so will start the season in the First Division again. They have retained Justin’s younger brother Richard.

Ferizaj burst onto the scene as a teenager at Shamrock Rovers, breaking into their first-team during the 2022 campaign that included European exposure.

A flock of UK clubs were interested in his signature, including Tottenham Hotspur who gave him a trial, but he ended up in Italy with Frosinone.

Ferizaj will become the ninth Crawley recruit of the January transfer window as they aim to climb up the League Two table from their current 21st position.

Meanwhile, another Rovers tyro – Josh O’Dwyer – is understood to be on the verge of joining Bayern Munich.

O’Dwyer captains Ireland’s U16 and spent time at Bayern in December at the invitation of the Bundesliga champions.

He can join a European club after he turns 16 in March but could also decide to wait until 18 when UK clubs are eligible under Brexit rules of signing him.

Elsewhere, Callum Honohan - younger brother of former Cork City and Shamrock Rovers defender Josh - has joined Cobh Ramblers on loan from Rovers until June.