Brentford have sold defender Jack O’Connell to Sheffield United for an undisclosed fee.
The 22-year-old underwent a medical at Bramall Lane yesterday and has penned a three-year contract with the League One side.
O’Connell arrived at Griffin Park 18 months ago from Blackburn Rovers but failed to force his way into the club’s starting XI on a regular basis.
Dean Smith’s recruitment of John Egan had pushed O’Connell down the pecking order and his desire for first-team football is the main factor behind his move to Yorkshire, as revealed by GetWestLondon earlier this afternoon.
Smith told the club’s website: “I am sorry to see Jack go. He is a great professional and he never let me or the club down when he came in to the team.
“His game time was limited due to the number of centre backs we had. He wanted to play more as he wants to keep progressing. We could not guarantee that.
“I think this is a good move for him. Sheffield United are a big League One club. I wish Jack all the best and I am sure he will be back in the Championship soon.”
Meanwhile, the Bees returned to action this evening as they opened their pre-season fixture list with a friendly at Boreham Wood’s Meadow Park.
