Chelsea have officially announced the signing of Gabriel Slonina, one of the top young goalkeeping prospects in football. The 18-year-old is signing a six-year contract with The Blues. Although purchased from Chicago Fire in the MLS, Slonina will remain in Chicago on loan for the remainder of their season. He will then join Chelsea at the start of 2023.
Chelsea Officially Announce Gabriel Slonina Signing
Gabriel Slonina has completed a permanent transfer to Chelsea! ✍️
The 18-year-old joins from Chicago Fire where he will return on loan to complete their season before moving to London at the start of 2023.
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 2, 2022
A Top Prospect
Slonina has made history in the United States. First off, he became Chicago’s youngest professional signing ever. He signed in 2019 when he was just 14 years old. He was also the youngest goalkeeper to ever start in an MLS match. He did this last year at the age of 17. The 18-year-old has already made his mark throughout the league and shines as one of the best in his position.
He has also started every match so far this season and has appeared in 34 total matches for Chicago.
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Of course, there’s plenty of work to be done before he possibly becomes a regular for Chelsea. For starters, The Blues already have their first-choice goalkeeper in Edouard Mendy. He’s been incredible during his time in London thus far. Mendy is also just 30 years old, so he’s in the prime of his career.
amazing support last night🔥 proud of the team for our 10th clean sheet. let’s keep climbing🔝 pic.twitter.com/HAwLb4Iz8t
— GAGA (@GabrielSlonina) July 31, 2022
Kepa Arrizabalaga may be on his way out, however. This would then leave Marcus Bettinelli as Chelsea’s option off the bench, potentially setting up a duel between the English goalkeeper and Slonina in 2023.
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