Shels teen Finn Sherlock set for move to Hoffenheim

Shelbourne teenager Finn Sherlock will leave the club to join German outfit Hoffenheim in July.

The 15-year-old left-sided player joined Shels over two years ago from Cavan side Cootehill Harps.

He's been capped for the Republic of Ireland up to Under-16s level, featuring consistently in Paul Osam's team that won the Victory Shield last year.

Eye-catching displays at that tournament put the youngster on the radar of numerous European clubs.

This year he has featured in several of Damien Duff's first-team squads and scored in pre-season for the first team against Bray.

Sherlock now heads for Hoffenheim, where he'll link up with another Ireland Under-17s player Matthew Moore, who moved there from Cork City a year ago.

"I want to thank Colm (Barron, Shelbourne academy director), my coaches, and teammates and everyone at Shelbourne FC for everything they have done for me," said Sherlock.

"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."

Shels' technical director Luke Byrne described Sherlock as a "special young player".

"Everybody at Shelbourne FC is so proud of Finn," said 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."

Listen to the RTÉ Soccer podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

We