IRELAND Under-21 striker Mark O’Mahony has joined Noel Hunt’s Reading on a season-long loan deal from Brighton.
The 19-year-old Cork City academy product spent last year on loan at Portsmouth and scored three goals in a frustrating year as he made just five starts.
But having made his Premier League bow for Brighton at the tail end of the 2023-24 season when he featured as a sub three times, the Seagulls want him to get more experience.
Reading boss Hunt was thrilled to land his fellow Irish man who he believes can play a key role as the Royals look to win promotion from League One.
Hunt said: “Mark is a young hungry striker who wants to come in and develop at our club.
“He’s young and he wants to learn his trade after having a successful loan deal last year at Portsmouth in the Championship.
“He learnt plenty whilst playing at that level, which will stand him in good stead for the upcoming season.
“He’s another player who has come through a really strong Academy, and will be a great addition to our squad.”
Elsewhere, Ex-Ireland star Aaron Connolly has sealed a move to Leyton Orient.
Connolly has agreed a two-year deal with League One side Leyton Orient after stints with Sunderland and Millwall last season.
And Orient boss Richie Wellens is relishing the chance to work with the former Brighton striker.
Wellens said: “I tried to sign Aaron when I was at Swindon a few years ago, but he then scored a hat-trick against MK Dons in the EFL Trophy. Everyone was in for him after that.
“He’s talented, quick, good on the ball and skilful. He’s got an eye for goal, and he scored twice on his Premier League debut for Brighton.
“The ability is all there, and when I met him recently I got a really good vibe off him. I sense that there is a burning desire for him to do well
“If we can get Aaron firing, I have absolutely no doubt in his abilities.”
