Spanish rivals Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid are set to do battle for the signature of a Dublin teen.
Both La Liga sides are said to be mulling over making an offer for Shamrock Rover starlet Naj Razi.
Reports this week suggest the playmaker has been continually monitored by the Madrid giants and they have been suitably impressed with what they’ve seen.
Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea are also interested in the talented youngster but Brexit rules mean they can’t sign him until 2025 when he turns 18. The Madrids could make a move this January as he’d be free to move to a club within the European Union.
Razi, who has been at Rovers since he was 7-years-old, caught the eye playing for Ireland U17s, scoring three goals in 10 appearances and playing a key role in both European Championships qualification and Ireland’s run to the quarter-finals of the tournament.
His displays at underage international level alerted some of Europe’s top clubs to his capabilities and helped convince Stephen Bradley he was first-team-ready. The young prospect made his senior Shamrock Rovers debut in the FAI Cup upon returning home and has started to break into the four-in-a-row title-winning side.
The attack-minded creative midfielder has played four times since that debut and has been on the bench a further six times. It’s understood Bradley would like to keep Razi for at least one more season and that the teenager would get a lot more game time next term.
Naj Razi (right) in action for Shamrock Rovers v Bohemians U19 last August; the young star has been liked with several massive clubs. Pic: Martin Doherty
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