Treaty United teenager Michael Dike signs deal with Brighton
Republic of Ireland Under-19 goalkeeper Michael Dike has signed a permanent deal with Brighton and Hove from Limerick-based outfit Treaty United.
The 18-year-old penned the deal this week with the English Premier League club for undisclosed terms and will join the Seagulls' Under-21s squad.
Dike explained he visited Brighton on trial and has since been offered a contract.
"I have been there a few times on trials and stuff like that and I enjoyed it and got offered a contract so I'm really happy. It's everything I have ever dream of, really exciting a new chapter," he said.
Dike made his senior debut for Treaty United aged 17 in March last year, coming on as a substitute in a 1-0 away victory over Kerry FC.
"The club has given me a good pathway I started with the academy and then had a little breakout year last year and made a couple of games," he added.
The netminder then went on to make ten appearances for United in the 2024 season and he earned his first call-up to the Irish Under-19s in March.
His favourite moment though was at aged only 17, saving two penalties to help Treaty edge past Kilbarrack in the FAI Cup.
"The shootout was by far my favourite moment as a Treaty player, the adrenaline saving the first one, going for the second one and saving that and then winning the shootout."
Dike previously played with Caherdavin Celtic and Limerick FC and was late in converting to nets, having previously played outfield.
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