Michael O’Neill signs new long-term Northern Ireland contract after rejecting Blackburn offer | OneFootball

Michael O’Neill has committed his future to Northern Ireland, signing a new deal that will keep him as manager until 2032.

The agreement comes just two weeks after the 56-year-old opted to turn down an offer from Blackburn Rovers.

O’Neill had spent the end of the season balancing his international duties with a role at Ewood Park, where he successfully guided Blackburn to safety in the Championship.

However, he ultimately chose to remain in international football, finalising a long-term contract with the Irish FA.

Expressing his dedication, O’Neill stated: "This is a role that means a great deal to me. I continue to believe strongly in the potential of this group of players and the direction we are moving in. There is a lot of work ahead, but I am excited by the future."

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O’Neill managed Blackburn alongside Northern Ireland for the final months of the 2025-26 season (PA Wire)

This marks O’Neill’s second tenure as Northern Ireland boss, having overseen his 104th match in charge during a friendly draw against Wales in March. His previous spell famously culminated in leading the nation to Euro 2016, and there is now renewed optimism that a promising young squad can qualify for another major tournament in two years’ time.

The Irish FA has welcomed O’Neill’s commitment, having previously feared losing him for a second time.

His decision to take on the Blackburn role in February had surprised many Northern Ireland fans, particularly as it occurred just weeks before their World Cup qualifying play-off away to Italy. O’Neill, first appointed in 2011, had left for Stoke in early 2020 before returning to the national team in 2022.

IFA president Conrad Kirkwood praised the manager’s impact, saying: "Michael has made a massive contribution to Northern Ireland so far. I am delighted that he will continue that work into the future and I look forward to more memorable achievements for the team in the future."

The announcement of O’Neill’s new deal coincides with his selection of the squad for next month’s friendly fixtures. Northern Ireland are set to face Guinea in Cadiz, Spain, before travelling to Lille to take on World Cup-bound France, who will be aiming to win football’s biggest international tournament for the third time this summer.