FRANCO UMEH says he will ‘step on the gas pedal’ as he moves forward with Crystal Palace after joining from Cork City.
The attacker, 18, has signed a two-and-a-half year deal with the Premier League club after they triggered a €75,000 release clause.
Significant add-ons have been factored into the transfer with Cork City standing to benefit in the future if Umeh reaches various milestones.
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Umeh is eager to get going in Palace’s underage ranks and said: “I can't put it into words. I’m full of joy, it’s such a precious and priceless moment.
“The hard work starts now, I think we’re really going to step on the gas pedal. I feel like Palace has the coaches and the facilities to develop my game to an even better level.”
Crystal Palace academy director Gary Issott added: “Franco is a tall, exciting, attacking player with blistering pace and a strong left-foot.
“For him to be in and around the first-team at Cork at such a young age is a major achievement.
“He now comes into our vibrant squad and will add competition in the attacking third of the pitch.”
Palace representatives were in Abbottstown last week to watch Umeh play for Cork City in a pre-season clash with Dundalk.
And Rebels boss Colin Healy admits it wasn’t a shock that Umeh attracted the attention of bigger clubs.
Healy said: “Franco has done really well for us, and it was no surprise to us that there was a lot of interest in him.
“Since he came into the academy, he has progressed and that is a testament to the coaching he has received and his own talent and hard work."
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