Popular Rovers player Naj joins Italian club

MIDFIELDER Naj Razi joined Italian club Como 1907 in Series B following an agreement between Shamrock Rovers for a significant upfront transfer fee.

17-year-old Naj Razi joined Shamrock Rovers when he was just seven years of age having started out at the time at the Academy operated at The Spawell in Templeogue.

Right from the start, Naj turned a lot of heads with his uncanny displays during his days playing in the DDSL.

Having played in the inaugural Under 13 National League he also played in the FAI National League at Under 14, Under 15, Under 17 and Under 19 levels before making his debut for the first team in the FAI Cup against Dundalk at Oriel Park last season and soon after made his European senior debut playing against Ferencvaros in the UEFA Europa Conference League qualifier.

Naj finished 2023 with a league and cup double with our U19s and first team appearances in Cup, European and League games.

On the pitch, Naj consistently impressed in the number 10 role and up front, but also played at times on either wing.

He has played for Ireland at Under 16, Under 17 and Under 19 level.

In total, he has played 30 times for Ireland including his appearances at the UEFA Under 17 Championship Finals in Hungary last year.

In 2022, Naj was selected as the Ireland Under 16 International Player of the Year and this was followed by the Ireland Under 17 International Player of the Year in 2023.

Naj was a successful graduate from the SRFC/Ashfield College Transition Year Programme in 2022. A hugely popular person at the football club where he has spent the last decade developing his talent, he will be missed by many.

All at Shamrock Rovers F.C. wish Naj the very best of luck with his new club and will watch his development at club and international level.

“A significant upfront transfer fee along with contingency elements has been agreed that will see the young midfielder join his new teammates this week,” said Shamrock Rovers.