Shamrock Rovers have confirmed that young midfielder Justin Ferizaj has been transferred to newly-promoted Serie A side Frosinone Calcio.
Having joined the club as a 14-year-old, Ferizaj made his first-team breakthrough during the 2022 League of Ireland season, putting in some impressive performances at home and in Europe.
He has also excelled at Ireland underage level, where he has shown a knack for scoring important and eye-catching goals.
Justin Ferizaj Serie A move confirmed
"Shamrock Rovers F.C. confirms the transfer of Academy graduate and first team midfielder Justin Ferizaj to Italian Serie A club, Frosinone Calcio," said a club statement announcing the 18-year-old's departure to Italy.
"All at the club wish Justin well with his career development in Italy and at National team level.
"Justin made his senior debut for Shamrock Rovers in June 2022, when he came off the bench at Richmond Park at the age of 17. The creative, attacking midfielder joined the club at the age of 14 and excelled through our Academy ranks. He has represented Ireland up to Under-19 level.
"An impressive cameo against Hibernians in the Champions League in Tallaght eventually led to Justin starting three UEFA competition games – the Europa League home win over Ferencvaros and two Conference League group stage games, against Molde and Djurgarden.
🇮🇪 | Justin Ferizaj started and played the full 90 minutes for @FAIreland U19s in a 2-0 win v Wales in a UEFA European Qualifier this afternoon...
Justin opened the scoring on 87 minutes, guiding home a cross from the right 👏
Brilliant stuff, Justin 💚#IrishRover pic.twitter.com/SrbyIEqXey— Shamrock Rovers FC (@ShamrockRovers) September 24, 2022
"This season, Justin made four sub appearances in the Premier Division, also scoring a goal in a Leinster Senior Cup tie in Bray. Having scored in the 2-0 win over Wales to help Ireland Under-19s qualify for the Elite Phase of the Qualifying Rounds of the UEFA Championship Finals the previous September, he made it six U19 caps for his country with three appearances against Slovakia, Estonia and Greece in March.
"Justin had won a total of nine caps for Ireland Under-15s, another nine for the Under-17s and 11 for the Under-18s. His younger brother Richard is now with Rovers’ Under-14s."
Shamrock Rovers F.C. confirms the transfer of Academy graduate and first team midfielder Justin Ferizaj to Italian Serie A club, Frosinone Calcio.
All at the club wish Justin well with his career development in Italy and at National team level. https://t.co/1xV3PP5sn9 pic.twitter.com/fpBtpItnJ6— Shamrock Rovers FC (@ShamrockRovers) August 22, 2023
Irish in Italy
Ferizaj joins the growing ranks of young Irish stars making the move to Italy, with Festy Ebosele, James Abankwah, Cathal Heffernan and Kevin Zefi all having made similar moves in recent seasons.
Heffernan has since moved back closer to home, having signed for Newcastle United from AC Milan.
