Premier League dream becomes reality for Kildare star
Michael Noonan will join Nottingham Forest from Shamrock Rovers on 1st January, 2027 Photo: ©INPHO/James Crombie
Premier League side Nottingham Forest have today confirmed the signing of Michael Noonan from Shamrock Rovers, with the move set to be completed when the next transfer window opens on January 1, 2027.
Until then, Noonan will remain with Rovers as they continue their push to retain the League of Ireland Premier Division title.
Former Republic of Ireland international Andy Reid is Head of Development at the City Ground club and is understood to have played a key role in attracting Noonan to Forest in the face of strong interest from elsewhere.
Nottingham Forest Chief Football Officer George Syrianos said:
“Michael is a player we, along with a number of other clubs, have followed closely for some time, so we're delighted he has chosen Nottingham Forest.
“Michael’s decision reflects the work Chris, Andy and everyone involved has put into developing and then sharing what that pathway looks like here.
“We look forward to welcoming Michael and his family to Forest and to supporting his development in the years ahead.” A move to English football has long been anticipated for Noonan, but despite his growing reputation he has remained firmly grounded in his local community.
In February 2025, he scored away to Norway's Molde to become the youngest goalscorer in UEFA Conference League history and the second-youngest scorer in any UEFA club competition. Remarkably, he was back attending school in Rathangan the following morning.
His ties to local sport remain strong. During Naomh Bríd's Minor B Championship final appearance at Cedral St Conleth's Park in 2025, Noonan was on maor uisce duty, while he remains a regular supporter at Ellistown matches.
After starring for Ireland at the 2025 Under-17 World Cup in Qatar, where he scored three goals as the Boys in Green reached the last 16, Ellistown hosted a special homecoming celebration on his return.
Noonan is currently on Republic of Ireland Under-21 duty and already holds the distinction of being the youngest goalscorer in the history of the side after finding the net on his debut against Andorra last September.
He has already featured from the bench during the current international window in victories over Slovakia and Kazakhstan and will hope to play a part again when Ireland face England at Turner's Cross on Tuesday, with qualification for the Under-21 European Championships still in sight for Jim Crawford's team.
