Ajax lose Noonan to Nottingham Forest: Irish striker signs pre‑contract

On a cold morning in Dublin, 18‑year‑old Michael Noonan, striker of Shamrock Rovers, put his signature down for Nottingham Forest, while Ajax was still waiting. The transfer, reported by Ben Jacobs, becomes official on 1 January, when he joins the Premier League‑club.

Pre‑agreement with Nottingham Forest

Noonan has reached a pre‑agreement with Nottingham Forest and will join manager Oliver Glasner’s squad on 1 January. The contract of the Irish talent ends this calendar year, meaning Nottingham does not have to pay a transfer fee.

Ajax fell behind

Ajax first linked with Noonan in early June, according to the Irish newspaper The 42. Technical director Jordi Cruijff acted, according to the report, more appropriately than clubs such as Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City, which also showed interest.

Young sensation with impressive statistics

Noonan, 1,85 m tall, celebrated his eighteenth birthday on 31 July and already has 81 official matches for Shamrock Rovers to his name, in which he scored seventeen goals and provided three assists. He is also a youth international of Ireland.