Shamrock Rovers prospect Naj Razi linked with La Liga giants

Patrick McCarry

The teenager just had his first taste of league glory with Shamrock Rovers, but could soon be on the move.

Shamrock Rovers and Ireland U17 midfielder Naj Razi is being tracked by LaLiga giants Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid, according to reports.

The teenager, who turned 17 over the weekend, has made five appearances for the Shamrock Rovers senior side, this season, and helped them to win their fourth consecutive Premier Division title. Razi’s full first name is Najemedine. He won U17 Player of the Year at the recent FAI awards.

It has been reported by The Irish Independent that Razi is being monitored by the Madrid sides, with Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City all said to be ‘keeping tabs’ on him.

Naj Razi poses for a portrait during a Shamrock Rovers squad portrait session. (Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile)

Naj Razi tipped for bright future

Naj Razi scored three goals in his 10 appearances for Ireland U17s and helped them to the quarter finals of the Under-17 European Championships, in Hungary, during the summer.

Ireland were knocked out at the last eight by Spain, who had Barcelona’s 16-year-old first-team regular Lamine Yamal in their starting line-up. During that game, Yamal scored one and assisted another in a 3-0 Spain win. Scouts of Europe’s top sides were at that tournament and several made note of the performances by Razi.

A month later, in July, Razi made his senior Shamrock Rovers debut in the FAI Cup, against Dundalk. He made four other appearances and was an unused sub in another six games. Stephen Bradley will be hoping to hang onto the attacking midfielder for at least another season.

Earlier this year, Razi’s Shamrock Rovers teammate Dylan Watts raved about the youngster. He told The Irish Mirror, “He looks very good for such a young man. He has great confidence on the ball and great ability.

“You could see it in training and now he’s starting to get a few minutes on the pitch. He looks like a really talented footballer and I think he’s going to have a real good future in the game.”