Summer is a key period for football, featuring major matches while also serving as a backdrop for numerous club transactions. The transfer window witnesses players moving down for improved prospects or ascending to higher leagues to pursue greater recognition in their careers. After a few seasons in England’s League Two, Oisin McEntee is making the transition to the Scottish Premiership, presenting him with a tough challenge. This 24-year-old dual-national midfielder-defender could see an increase in his profile and possibly return to the international scene, most likely playing for The Boys in Green.
Originally from New York City, McEntee moved to Cavan, Ireland with his family, where he initially excelled in Gaelic football at Shercock GAA, even winning “a couple of All Irelands,” before shifting his focus to soccer. He garnered praise for his “fantastic engine and speed” during his youth career with Patrician High School, Manor Farm, Dromore Youths, Cootehill Harps, Carrickmacross Rovers, Belvedere, and Malahide United. His consistent success in youth tournaments and determination to seek tougher challenges across the country caught the attention of scouts.
Choosing a primary sport was a tough decision, though his parents supported him. “Growing up, [my dad] was always my Gaelic manager, and I just played soccer to keep me going,” McEntee told The 42. “When I was U8s and U10s, I would have played soccer to just keep me fit over the winter… My dad saw there was potential. My mam would have been the soccer one in the house, but now they both love it, to be fair. It was hard for me leaving Gaelic, because he was the manager and all the [kids’] parents were asking ‘Why is he not playing?’ if I had a big soccer game on. He’d have to explain.”
After training with Manchester United, Stoke City, Aston Villa, Leicester City, and Brighton, he eventually signed with Newcastle United. Despite being “a bit raw and dealing with injuries at times,” the defender managed to recover from a double hernia operation, captained The Magpies’ Under-18 squad, and frequently played with the reserves in Premier League 2. After overcoming a COVID-19-related heart issue that limited his training for three months, he led his team to four clean sheets and earned a nomination for the Player of the Month award, prompting the club to extend his contract and occasionally include him in first-team sessions.
In the summer of 2021, McEntee considered signing another contract with Newcastle before embarking on a season-long loan to Greenock Morton in the Scottish Championship. He secured a starting position and played 28 matches across all competitions, notching his first professional goal during a 1-0 win against Partick Thistle. The young defender adapted well to the physical demands of senior football, overcame a broken hand, and “commanded the box constantly” while elevating his situational awareness.
After his tenure with Newcastle, McEntee left as a free agent and signed a two-year contract with Walsall in EFL League Two, thrilled at the chance to advance his career. Following a lengthy absence from the squad due to a shoulder injury incurred while on international duty, he debuted in the FA Cup versus Wycombe Wanderers. Gradually, he became part of the regular rotation and finished the season as a starter with 15 total appearances.
McEntee had a strong start to the next season, playing as a midfielder and achieving six goals along with four assists in 17 appearances by the end of December. The club rewarded the “unbelievable player” with a new contract running through June of 2025, allowing him to continue playing under “a gaffer who believes in him.” Unfortunately, a hamstring injury sidelined him for the remainder of the year.
Last season, McEntee started in the opening matches but lost his starting role due to a “calf injury” and struggled for game time as a “peripheral figure.” Despite this, he managed to regain his position and featured in a total of 37 matches, contributing three assists. He played a crucial role as Walsall embarked on a 16-match unbeaten streak while contending for promotion. However, The Saddlers eventually lost momentum and fell short in the League Two playoff final to AFC.Wimbledon, 1-0, with the midfielder-defender logging 56 minutes after previously missing the semifinal series against Chesterfield due to an ongoing ankle issue.
With a contract nearing its end, McEntee signed a three-year deal with Heart of Midlothian, opting against reported interest from Hibernian, their Edinburgh derby rivals. He is expected to “make a significant impact with the club following a disappointing season,” likely taking up a position in midfield and offering greater height and physical presence, along with a capacity to score from both open play and set pieces. The Jambos finished seventh in the Scottish Premiership and missed out on European competition, yet the new addition is already being recognized as a crucial asset with his “long stride” and constant movement.
“It quickly became apparent in our discussions that Oisin is eager, keen to learn and develop, and wants to be part of our vision here at Hearts,” stated his new manager, Derek McInnes. “He’s a skilled player but also physically strong, making him an incredibly versatile asset. His experience in both defence and midfield allows for varied positioning, which is a significant advantage.”
Internationally, McEntee qualifies to represent both the United States Men’s National Team and Ireland. He participated in the latter at the 2018 UEFA European Under-17 Championship, playing all four matches in a run that concluded in the quarterfinals after a penalty shootout loss to the Netherlands; in a surprising turn of events, the former Gaelic footballer had to step in as goalkeeper after the starter was booked in the last moment. He also took part in four additional matches during the 2019 UEFA European Under-19 Championship, where the team was defeated by Portugal in the semifinals. His latest appearances came during qualifiers with the Under-21 squad in June 2022.
At six foot three, McEntee is a physical, “marauding,” and adaptable right-footed centre-back, fullback, six, and box-to-box midfielder. His well-rounded skills include frequent shot blocks and opportunity creation, while also serving as an effective target during set pieces, sending in crosses, and maintaining possession with precision. The “incredible athlete” is described as a traditional performer who is “aggressive and capable of influencing a match, distributing passes, and transitioning play,” with a preference for “driving the ball.” Observers note his determination to “get his head on every ball” and make “last-ditch” tackles, “standing up his opponent and throwing himself at [the ball].” One manager characterized him as an adaptable “chameleon” who can “grasp what is needed” in various situations.
Perhaps his most notable trait is the resilience that has allowed him to navigate numerous injuries and health challenges that could have derailed many young careers. “I’ve faced some difficult times, but those experiences have only made me stronger,” McEntee stated in an interview with Express & Star. “My mother always reminds me that these struggles provide a wealth of experience compared to others back home. Overcoming tough periods has propelled my growth tremendously.”
McEntee now has a chance to significantly advance his career, as moving to the Scottish Premiership will attract more attention to his talents. If he is prepared to embrace the challenge, he still has the potential for further progress up the ranks, potentially leading to an even greater opportunity. While he may not compete for the USMNT, the midfielder-defender remains an intriguing talent to follow, especially if fate brings him back to his homeland.
Image Source: Walsall FC Official @ YouTube
