The emerging need for biomarkers in the management of renal transplantation is highlighted by the severity of related complications such as acute renal failure and ischaemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) and by the increasing efforts to identify novel markers of these events to predict and monitor delayed graft function (DGF) and long-term outcome. In clinical studies candidate markers such as kidney injury molecule-1, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin and interleukin-18 have been demonstrated to be valid biomarkers with high predictive value for DFG in a post-transplant setting. However, studies investigating biomarkers for early diagnosis of IRI and assumable DGF as well as identification of potential graft recipients at increased risk at the time point of transplantation lack further confirmation and translation into clinical practice. This review summarizes the current literature on the value of IRI biomarkers in outcome prediction following renal transplantation as well their capacity as surrogate end points from an intraoperative perspective.