As per multiple reports, 18-year-old American Gabriel Slonina has reached an agreement with Chelsea to become their newest goalkeeper. In addition, Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Chelsea will let Slonina play the remainder of the Major League Soccer season with Chicago Fire before joining in January. The reported package for the deal is worth up to $15 million.

“Gaga” Slonina was born in 2004 in Addison, Illinois. The Chicago native joined the Chicago Fire youth academy in 2016, and it wasn’t long until he secured a professional contract from the club as a homegrown player in 2019. He remains the youngest signing ever for Chicago Fire.

When Slonina made his MLS debut on August 4, 2021, he was 17 - the youngest age in MLS history for a starting goalkeeper -and has been Chicago’s starter ever since.

Born in the U.S. of Polish descent, Slonina represented the U.S. at the youth level and has declared his intentions to play for the USMNT.

Real Madrid and Chelsea have been in the race to sign Slonina for several months. However, the final push from Todd Boehly, the new American owner of Chelsea, won them the signing. Slonina will join fellow countrymen Christian Pulisic in London.

In the past seasons, Edouard Mendy has solidified his position as starting goalkeeper, and Kepa Arrizablaga did well on several occasions as the number two option. However, Slonina is just 18, has yet to reach his potential, and will be a serious contender for the future.

In the past, the Premier League has seen two very successful goalkeepers from the States - Tim Howard and Brad Guzan - and we hope that Slonina can follow in their footsteps.