Polish American goalkeeper Gabriel Słonina has signed a six-year contract with Chelsea, joining the club from Chicago Fire, where he is to spend the remainder of the MLS season on loan. The young talent’s move to Stamford Bridge cost the club £12 million.
Gabriel was born in the United States; he is of Polish descent and is eligible to represent the United States or Poland internationally.
He has been linked with a move to the Blues since the great Petr Cech recommended him during his time at the club.
https://twitter.com/GabrielSlonina/status/1554556218101977097?s=20&t=I9HwC7biCQhfSeZQuIQY7A
As Sportbible reports, it was previously announced that both clubs came to an agreement over a £12 million fee, including add-ons, for the 18-year-old rising star.
In an interview for the Chicago Fire’s website, Gaga addressed the fans of his current club, where he will finish the current season. „I joined this Club with ambitions of playing at the highest level, and it’s been a dream come true to wear the Chicago Fire jersey […] This Club has become my second home […] and there are so many people that have played a big role in helping me get to where I am today”- he said.
He went on to thank his family, coaches, and teammates for their precious support. He described working with them as an “incredible honour”.
The Chicago Fire FC sporting director Georg Heitz spoke about the promising player in flattering terms.
„We’re very proud and happy to see Gaga reach this milestone moment in his career […] Since joining the Club, Gaga has embodied what it means to be a Chicago Fire player. In addition to his incredible talent, he is mature beyond his years, extremely hard-working, and a fantastic teammate […] [He] is a role model to many young aspiring footballers,” – Heitz told the press.
At the age of 14, Slonina became the second-youngest signing in Major League Soccer history and the youngest signing ever for the Chicago Fire.
Last summer, Slonina made his professional debut for the Chicago Fire against New York City FC, becoming the youngest starting goalkeeper in league history at 17 years and 81 days.
The prodigy made four saves for the Fire as the match ended in a 0–0 draw, which made him the youngest goalkeeper to record a shutout (clean sheet) in Major League Soccer history.
This year, the young goalkeeper will do his best to help his Chicago Fire team make it to the playoffs before his long-awaited move to Stamford Bridge on the 1st of January 2023.
Image: Chelsea FC
Author: Sébastien Meuwissen
