Reports: Niall Horan angers Simon Cowell with new label deal

One Direction member Niall Horan has signed a solo record deal with Universal Music – according to British media reports.

The move has upset and angered 1D’s one-time mentor and manager Simon Cowell, who had been negotiating with Horan to stay with his label Syco, which is distributed by Sony Music.

Horan’s is the latest defection of 1D members from Cowell.

In July, Cowell had told Britain’s Daily Mirror he was confident that while two members had signed to rival record companies, he expected Horan to remain with Syco. He had plans to turn him into a Justin Bieber-type act.

“Niall is the most loyal,” Cowell said. “We’re expecting to announce something soon with him. I’ve always known he’s loyal. We’re talking to all of One Direction at the moment. Most of them are incredibly loyal, and you don’t always expect that. Niall, Harry and Louis are amazing.”

Cowell was already upset that only two 1D members, Harry Styles and Louis Tomlinson, have retained him as manager. Tomlinson is working with him on America’s Got Talent.

Liam Payne is now with Doyen Global whose star clients are David and Victoria Beckham. Former member Zayn Malik assigned his management to Turnfirst who also have Ellie Goulding and Jack Garratt on their books.

No official announcement has been made by Universal Music about Horan. His solo records will be issued in the United States through Capitol.

After the band went on hiatus late last year, Horan set up a golf business, Modest Golf Management, to unearth young British and Irish golfing talents.

Apparently Universal offered more money to coax Horan over. It’s not known how much. But, in comparison, Harry Styles’ deal with Columbia/Sony is said to be worth £60 million (A$104.8 million). Anthony Kiedis of Red Hot Chili Peppers has already stated a song that didn’t make it on to the RHCP album would suit him.