Jonny Stapleton
Dublin teenage striking starlet Killian Cailloce said ‘oui’ to a move to France.
The promising 16-year-old prospect has completed a move to French Ligue 2 side SM Caen.
Cailloce, whose father is French and mother is Irish, began to bleep loudly on the footballing radar earlier this year when he became Drogheda United’s youngest ever senior player.
At just 16-years and 44-days old, the frontman made an appearance in the Boynesider’s March encounter against Sligo Rovers.
Cailloce, who also played a pre-season friendly against Derry, has been more prominent for the club’s Under-19 side in the underage National League but was still watched by a number of overseas clubs with SM Caen particularly keen.
Indeed, they were keen enough to offer a contract to the teen. Cailloce was handed the No 9 shirt for his official unveiling but it’s believed he will wear that number in the underage setup rather than for the first team next season.
SM Caen are managed by Stéphane Moulin and play their football at the Stade Malherbe Caen in Normandy. They finished seventh in Ligue 2 last season and boast Kennet Andersson, William Gallas, Ngolo Kante and Aleksandr Mostovoi among their former players.
Drogheda United confirmed the news in a statement that read:
“Drogheda United can confirm that forward Killian Cailloce has completed a move to French Ligue 2 side SM Caen,” it read. “The 16-year-old first joined the academy in 2020 at U15 level before progressing to U17 and U19 level in 2021.
“Killian has been a regular for our U19 side this season while also being involved with the first team squad. He made his first senior appearance in a pre-season friendly against Derry City before making his league debut off the bench against Sligo Rovers in March.
“Killian is the youngest player to ever feature for Drogheda in the League of Ireland and his move to Stade Malherbe Caen makes him the first Drogheda player to sign for a French club.
“All at Drogheda United wish Killian the best in his move to France.”
Killian Cailloce, who became Drogheda’s youngest ever senior player at 16
years and 44 days this season, has signed for French Ligue 2 side SM Caen
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