Prodigious stopper Slonina makes Stamford Bridge switch

Will Evans
LiveScore
Chelsea will be delighted to have recruited hot prospect Gabriel Slonina
Chelsea will be delighted to have recruited hot prospect Gabriel Slonina

Chelsea have signed teenage Chicago Fire goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina for a reported £8.2million plus add-ons.

The 18-year-old ace has agreed a six-year deal at Stamford Bridge — but will return on loan to the Fire before linking up with the Blues in early 2023.

He became the youngest stopper to start an MLS match back in August 2021, aged just 17 years and 81 days.

The USA Under-20s international has been a first-team regular at Soldier Field this term, racking up 2,070 minutes of action over 23 fixtures.

Gabriel Slonina has excelled in Major League Soccer for Chicago Fire
Gabriel Slonina has excelled in Major League Soccer for Chicago Fire

Only New York City's Sean Johnson has kept more clean sheets (12) than Slonina's 10 this season, while Chicago have conceded just 1.22 goals per 90 minutes with the Illinois native between the sticks.

Chelsea's capture of the goalie came just hours after they agreed a deal with Aston Villa for England Under-19s midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka.

The highly-rated 18-year-old has been given permission to travel to London to discuss personal terms before undergoing a medical.

He featured 12 times for Villa in the Premier League last season, with 10 of those appearances coming off the bench.

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ChelseaPremier LeagueChicago Fire FCMajor League Soccer