Portadown teenager Alberto Balde has signed for Premier League club Middlesbrough.
The 15-year-old will officially sign on his sixteenth birthday next March.
Alberto really came to the attention of people following a Google advert which highlighted his transformation from an underprivileged migrant to being on the verge of a career in the Premier League.
That transformation is now all but completed.
Alberto has been representing Portadown Youth from the age of 12 and has had trials at several top flight clubs including Manchester United.
Speaking to the Portadown Times, youth team coach Gary Magee, said: “First and foremost, we are delighted for Alberto to finally secure the move he feels most comfortable with and best for his future in the game.
“Everyone at Portadown Youth, not just those connected to the same teams over the years, is delighted to see Alberto getting this wonderful opportunity.
“Middlesbrough have been brilliant to deal with and extended an open invitation for us to visit Alberto when we like down the line.”
