American goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina has been permanently signed by Premier League club Chelsea as their new shot stopper from MLS outfit Chicago Fire.

By outbidding some of the top clubs in Europe, the Blues were able to sign Gabriel Slonina from the Chicago Fire.

The 18-year-old goalie, who passed through the Fire’s academy, would qualify as an EU-based player for a team in Europe due to the fact that his parents are Polish.

Slonina was acquired by Chelsea for $15 million over a six-year period, and the teenager will head back to Chicago to finish the MLS campaign before joining the Blues in 2023.

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

The 18-year-old new Chelsea safe hands has been hailed as the future US men’s national team’s No. 1.

In August 2021, Slonina, then 17 years and 81 days old, made MLS history by being the youngest goalie to ever start a game and maintain a clean sheet.

After some time, he became the Chicago Fire’s regular starter, and he made 11 appearances in the 2021 campaign. He has now played for the senior team in 30 games.

Prior to the March restrictions imposed on them, Chelsea was claimed to have an arrangement to sign Slonina.

Real Madrid contacted the American during the gap in negotiations, and they quickly established themselves as the front-runners to sign him. Bayern Munich, Southampton, and Wolves also expressed interest.

Chelsea accelerated talks once Todd Boehly joined the team, though, and pressed for a $15 million deal with Chicago Fire that included add-ons.

After signing with the Blues, the goalie took to his social media page to say

“Honoured to join such a massive club with so much history. It’s a privilege to wear the badge of the best side in London. Thank you to all the fans for the warm welcome. Can’t wait to get started.”

Honoured to join such a massive club with so much history. It’s a privilege to wear the badge of the best side in London.
Thank you to all the fans for the warm welcome. Can’t wait to get started.💙 @ChelseaFC pic.twitter.com/YmShsm1yYj

— GAGA (@GabrielSlonina) August 2, 2022

In addition to Raheem Sterling, Kalidou Koulibaly, and Carney Chukwuemeka, Gabriel Slonina has signed a six-year contract with Chelsea that runs through 2028.

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