![](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/92350_2769053.jpg\")
<\/p>\nBristol City have signed a pre-agreement ahead of a permanent move to the Championship side.<\/p>\n
Billy O’Neill(Image: INPHO\/Dan Clohessy)<\/p>\n
Bray Wanderers teenager Billy O\u2019Neill has signed a pre-agreement with Bristol City.<\/p>\n
The Ireland Under-19 international will complete his move in the summer, ahead of preparations for the 2026\/27 season.<\/p>\n
Bray boss Paul Heffernan confirmed the news, saying: \u201cWe are delighted for Billy and his family. It\u2019s a fantastic opportunity for him to join a great club in Bristol City and continue his development.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s been a massively important player for us in the first team for the last 12 months and has shown that he has not only the talent but the right mindset and mentality to succeed in professional football.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe wish nothing but success for Billy in this exciting new chapter in his career.\u201d<\/p>\n
O\u2019Neill (18) has already become well established within the senior game. He made his debut at the age of 15 years and 222 days against Finn Harps in October 2023.<\/p>\n
His form caught the attention of some top European sides, such as Bayer Leverkusen and Monaco, but he opted instead for a move across the Irish Sea.<\/p>\n
As well as becoming Bray Wanderers\u2019 youngest ever player, he was their youngest ever player to net a hat-trick when he scored three against Kerry last October.<\/p>\n
A current member of the Ireland Under-19s, the former Crumlin United and Kilnamanagh prospect has made 49 competitive first team appearances so far.<\/p>\n
O\u2019Neill said: \u201cI’m delighted to have signed for Bristol City as the next step in my career. I can’t wait to get going and see what the future holds.<\/p>\n
\u201cI want to thank everyone at Bray Wanderers, the coaches, players and fans, for their support and for everything they’ve done for me throughout my time at the club.\u201d<\/p>\n