Jesse Dempsey completes switch from UCD to Serie A side Lecce
Jesse Dempsey in action for UCD Credit: Martin Doherty (ETPhotos)
UCD have confirmed the departure of teenage full-back Jesse Dempsey - with the Wexford native joining Serie A side Lecce.
The Ireland under-19 international stood out for the Students despite their relegation from the top-flight last term.
And he will follow in the footsteps of former UCD players Liam Kerrigan and John Ryan who have both moved to Italy after spells in the League of Ireland.
Dempsey, 18, made 21 appearances for UCD last season and made two further bows in the FAI Cup.
He will initially join Lecce’s under-19 side before looking to break into their first-team set up.
“Jesse has gone to Lecce and it is a brilliant move for him,” Students boss Willie O’Connor told extratime.com.
“It shows the opportunities that can come when you are playing first-team football.
“Jesse played between 18-20 games last year even though he was still under-19. He did really well and was also part of the Ireland under-19 team.
“It is a brilliant move for him and it is very exciting. We wish him all the best.”
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— Extratime.com (@ExtratimeNews) January 11, 2024
