Arsenal midfielder Jack Henry-Francis has headed out on loan for the first time by signing a short-term deal with Sligo Rovers.
Henry-Francis will remain with Sligo until the end of the Irish season in November, with the 20-year-old relishing the opportunity to finally test himself in senior football.
The youngster, who has been capped by the Republic of Ireland at U21 level, has amassed much experience of academy football at Arsenal.
Injuries have hampered Henry-Francis’ progress at times, which is one of the reasons why he hasn’t been sent out on loan earlier.
A committed player, it seems likely that Henry-Francis will be able to adapt well to the intensity of senior football.
It will be intriguing to see what transpires with Henry-Francis after his loan spell has concluded, with a loan to another club a possibility in the January transfer window.
Henry-Francis has had some involvement with the Arsenal first-team – he made an impact in a friendly against Hibernian three years ago. However, he has yet to be named on the bench for Mikel Arteta’s team in a competitive fixture.
After waiting so long to make the step up to senior football, Henry-Francis will be determined to make an impact for Sligo.
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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird
20-year-old and this is the first time I heard about him.
Best midfielder of u21, but then again U21 wasn’t much to shout about. jack is my neighbour’s nephew
I suppose you can name the other 37 u21/18 players in our academy?
I know only Thiery Wilshire-Jeffers
Great stuff!
I live 30 minutes away from Sligo, now I really have a reason to go to The Showgrounds – still 6 home games left of the season!
For further reading, here’s the viewpoint from Sligo:
https://www.sligorovers.com/arsenal-midfielder-jack-henry-francis-has-joined-sligo-rovers-on-loan-until-the-end-of-the-2024-season/