Bundesliga outfit swoop for Shelbourne prospect Finn Sherlock

The Cavan native has been tracked by a number of European clubs for some time but Hoffenheim have won the race and he will move over in July. He follows in the path of compatriot Matthew Moore, who joined Hoffenheim from the Cork City academy last year while clubs from the top divisions in Italy, France and Belgium have also signed up Irish players who would traditionally moved to the UK at 16 but are now going to the continent at that age.

“Everybody at Shelbourne FC is so proud of Finn,” said the Reds’ Technical Director Luke Byrne. “He has been top class in everything he has done since joining us in 2022. His attitude, application and determination mark him out as a special young player. He embarks on the next stage of his career with our full support and we will watch his career closely with great pride. It is yet another example of the education and pathway we aspire to provide for the young players in our academy. Finn and his family are always welcome back at Tolka Park.”

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Sherlock said: “I want to thank Colm, my coaches, and teammates and everyone at Shelbourne FC for everything they have done for me. The support and development I’ve received here have been incredible, and I’ve learned so much about the game.

“The club has given me a fantastic football education, and I am deeply grateful for all the opportunities and experiences. I’ll always appreciate my time here and look forward to carrying these lessons with me to Germany.”