Significant transfer fees are becoming more common in the League of Ireland, but it is still a surprise to see that a player released by Kerry FC just last year is now set to be sold for a significant amount of money.
Irish clubs have started to drive harder bargains for their brightest prospects in recent times, leading to some multi-million euro deals. The current record is set by Victor Ozhianvuna’s upcoming €2million move to Arsenal, with Mason Melia also leaving St Pat’s for a seven-figure sum.
Another former League of Ireland player could now meet that threshold, a prediction that few would have made after his controversial departure from Kerry just 12 months ago.
Former Kerry star linked with eye-catching move
Shane Maroodza had a very short spell with Kerry in 2025, leaving the First Division club after just one appearance. In fact, his exit came just a few days after his unveiling as a new signing.
The English-born Zimbabwe international and goalkeeper Mathyas Randriamamy were released by the club due to disciplinary issues. This is what their short statement on the matter said at the time:
Mathyas Randriamamy and Shane Maroodza have been released from Kerry FC. Unfortunately, their values and principles didn’t match the standards of the club.
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Maroodza’s Kerry exit has not hampered his club career. The player would join Bosnian club Sarajevo back in October and has impressed with his performances during that period.
Former Kerry man set to be sold for big fee
In fact, the player is now drawing interest from Championship newcomers Cardiff City.
It has been reported that the Welsh side have bid £750,000 to sign the defender this summer. That bid was rejected, with Sarajevo holding out for an offer worth around £1million.
𝗘𝗫𝗖𝗟 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗼: Cardiff City have submitted a formal bid worth £750,000 plus 20% on a future sale for Shane Maroodza of FK Sarajevo. FK Sarajevo are holding out for £1m plus 25%.
Cardiff owner Vincent Tan held a 50% stake in FK Sarajevo until 1 January 2026.
Maroodza holds a… pic.twitter.com/L1eGWzQfuw
— Lorenzo Lepore (@lorenzooleporee) July 5, 2026
The 22-year old has earned five caps for Zimbabwe at international level since making his debut in 2024.
While it was felt that his position at Kerry was no longer tenable, seeing him move for such a significant would certainly lead to questions about what might have been had he remained at the club.