Walsall midfielder Oisin McEntee has put pen to paper on a new deal with the club which will see him remain at the Poundland Bescot Stadium until 2025, as per the club’s website.
McEntee joined The Saddlers in June 2022 following an impressive loan stint in Scotland with Greenock Morton, whilst he was still on the books at Premier League outfit Newcastle United.
However, the Irishman had to wait until November 2022 to make his debut for the club due to a shoulder injury which he picked up playing for the Republic of Ireland’s U21 side.
The 22-year-old has since gone on to make 35 appearances in all competitions for The Saddlers since his arrival, in which he has found the back of the net on three occasions for the League Two outfit.
So far this campaign, McEntee has gone on to start 15 games for Mat Sadler’s side and has been one of Walsall’s standout performers this season as the club currently find themselves 16th in the League Two table.
Originally a defender, this season, the former Newcastle United Academy graduate has played in a new midfield role, which has certainly got the best out of the 22-year-old. He has so far registered one goal and four assists for The Saddlers this campaign, leading to Walsall offering him a new deal in order to keep the Irishman at the club.
Speaking to the club’s official website after signing a new deal to remain at the Poundland Bescot Stadium until 2025, McEntee stated his love for the club, as well as playing under a manager who believes in him, were two of the main reasons he decided to sign fresh terms to remain with The Saddlers.
“I’m delighted to finally get it over the line,” he said. “I love it here at the club, in and around the training ground, the support from the fans has been brilliant.
“I have a gaffer who believes in me, I love going into training every day, all the boys get along and it’s the happiest I’ve been in football in a long time.
“I just want to kick on from where I am now, I just want to play every game that I can, get on the scoresheet, get some wins and get us as high up the table as we can.”
Writer’s View
Oisin McEntee has undoubtedly been one of Walsall’s standout players so far this season, despite currently not having the start the campaign the club would have hoped for so far.
Keeping McEntee will be a huge boost for both Mat Sadler and Walsall as this may withdraw the attention that the Irishman’s performances were gaining from potential League One clubs ahead of the upcoming January Transfer Window.
If Walsall can strengthen their defence and get Danny Johnson back to the form everyone saw in the first half of the 2022/2023 campaign whilst, on loan with the club, there is no reason why Mat Sadler’s side can not give themselves an exciting end to the season and give themselves a good platform to build upon in the following campaign.