Our record signing in the summer of 2023, England international Declan was an immediate hit in north London, enhancing his reputation as one of the best and most progressive defensive midfielders in the game, while also supplying added ammunition up front as he pushed forward through the season.
He contributed seven goals and eight assists in the Premier League, and some of those goals were crucial – his first strike for the club was the late second goal in the 3-1 home win over Manchester United in September 2023, and he also helped earn a 2-2 draw at Chelsea and netted the 96th minute winner in our 4-3 victory at Luton Town.
He finished second in our Player of the Season vote, after being named as our Player of the Month for August 2023.
The all-action midfielder signed from West Ham United, where he made 245 appearances, scoring 15 goals, wore the captain’s armband in his final season and lifted the Europa Conference League trophy, having made his debut for the club at the age of 18 in August 2017.
An England international since 2019, Declan featured in every Three Lions game during their run to the Euro 2020 final and the 2022 World Cup quarter-finals, and was again ever-present at Euro 2024.
Before representing England – for whom he captained the side on the occasion of his 50th cap last season – he played three times for the senior Republic of Ireland national team.
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