Monaco Sign Promising Irish Teenager David Dunne from Cork City

AS Monaco have continued their summer recruitment drive by securing the signature of Irish youth talent David Dunne from Cork City.

While the Ligue 1 side have already attracted attention with high-profile acquisitions such as Paul Pogba, Ansu Fati and Eric Dier, the addition of 16-year-old Dunne may go under the radar in France — but not in Irish football circles.

Cork City confirmed the youngster’s departure from Turner’s Cross in an official statement released on Wednesday.

Dunne made headlines last season when he became one of the youngest players to feature for the club, making his senior debut at the age of just 15. The attacker made a further three appearances in the Premier Division this year, following Cork City's return to the top flight.

The move to Monaco sees Dunne sign a trainee contract with the French outfit, and Cork City will receive training compensation in accordance with FIFA’s Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players (RSTP).

In their official statement, the Irish club wrote:

“Cork City FC can confirm that David Dunne has signed for French side, AS Monaco.

“The 16-year-old attacker joined City’s academy from Rockmount in 2023 and made his first-team debut away to Derry City in April.

“The club can confirm that we did offer the player a professional contract, however, he has decided to join AS Monaco.

“AS Monaco notified the club of their intention to sign the player and pay the club the required compensation as per the FIFA Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players (RSTP).”

Speaking on the move, Cork City’s Head of Academy and former player Liam Kearney praised Dunne’s potential:

“David is a very exciting young player with a bright future ahead of him, which is underlined by the fact that he has already got first-team minutes at such a young age.

“Of course, we would love to have kept him at the club, but he has decided to make the move to Monaco and we wish him every success.”