Former Cork City midfielder O'Brien-Whitmarsh off to Northampton

The Republic of Ireland under-21 international has departed Southampton.

Joe O'Brien Whitmarsh of Republic of Ireland in action against Mohammed Abdulla M J Al-Ishaq of Qatar during the U21 international friendly match between Qatar and Republic of Ireland at Gradski Stadion in Zagreb, Croatia. Photo by Gerry Scully/Sportsfile

Former Cork City midfielder Joe O'Brien-Whitmarsh has joined Northampton Town from Southampton for an undisclosed fee.

The Republic of Ireland under-21 international has signed a three year contract at Sixfields.

Having emerged through the Cork City academy, O'Brien-Whitmarsh made his senior debut in 2023, before joining Southampton ahead of the 2024 League of Ireland campaign.

He played for Saints in the Carabao Cup and FA Cup before departing on loan to Accrington Stanley last season.

"Joe is a highly technical player," Northampton manager Chris Hogg told the club's website.

"He can play either as a six or a ten in midfield and he will add quality and technical ability to the group of central midfielders we have.

"He has had an excellent grounding and has had experience of the level with a loan spell at Accrington but he now feels it's time to go out and step into senior men's football on a permanent basis.

"He plays centrally, he plays on the front foot, always looking to play forward and he can create. He has a rhythm to his play and he is exciting to watch.

"This is a good deal for the club. Not only is his signing extra competition in the central midfield area here and now, it is a good signing for the club for the future too."

Elsewhere, Republic of Ireland defender Tayo Adaramola has joined Cercle Brugge from Crystal Palace.

Having enjoyed a loan spell at Sheffield Wednesday last season, Adaramola made his senior Ireland debut against Granada last May.

He told Cercle Brugge’s website: "I’m very happy that I can call Cercle my new home from now on. I had a good feeling right from the very first conversations. I can’t wait to get started and show what I’m capable of."