Niall Horan has reportedly signed a major solo deal with Universal Music.
The Mullingar native, who has been rumoured to go solo since One Direction went on hiatus, has been signed to the label – which is sure to leave his former mentor Simon Cowell unimpressed.
“This will come as a real blow to Cowell who has been talking to Niall for months, wanting him to sign a deal with his label Syco,” a source told Daily Star Sunday.
“He made a number of big money offers to try and persuade Niall to sign up but, in the end, Universal came in and put even more money on the table. They’re chuffed to have got one over on Cowell and have taken one of 1D.”
Exciting: Niall has signed a solo deal with Universal | INSTAGRAM
The news comes just weeks after Simon revealed that Niall would sign a solo deal “soon”, which fans assumed would be with his label Syco.
“I think they’re all gonna do great. Niall is the most loyal. We are expecting to announce something soon with him. I’ve always known he’s loyal,” Simon told People.
“You know what, we’re talking to all of [the 1D guys] at the moment. You know what the great thing about these boys are, well not all of them, just most of them, they’re incredibly loyal. And you don’t always expect that. Niall, Harry, Louis are amazing,” the music mogul said.
Niall has reportedly been “telling pals he is really excited about his new music and this solo deal”.
A representative from Syco declined to comment on the story.
