Who is Gabriel Slonina? Chelsea's new American wonderkid goalkeeper

Suraj Radia

Updated: 2 Aug 2022 20:40 BST
5 min read

Gabriel Slonina, Chicago Fire, 2022 — © ProShots

Chelsea have secured the signing of Gabriel Slonina from Chicago Fire, beating some of the biggest clubs in Europe to his signature.

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The 18-year-old goalkeeper came through the Fire's academy, and would count as an EU-based player for a team in Europe due to his parents being Polish.

Chelsea have paid $15 million for Slonina on a six-year-deal and the teenager will return to Chicago to see out the MLS season before joining the Blues at the start of 2023.

So just who is the 18-year-old, who's been touted as the future No.1 of the US men's national team? FootballTransfers takes a look.

What position does Gabriel Slonina play in?

Gabriel Slonina is a right-footed goalkeeper.

How good is Gabriel Slonina?

Slonina became the youngest goalkeeper to ever start a match and keep a clean sheet in MLS history back in August 2021 at the age of 17 years and 81 days.

He eventually established himself as the undisputed starter for the Chicago Fire and made 11 appearances in the 2021 season. He's now reached 30 appearances for the senior team.

Slonina had previously signed a homegrown contract with Chicago at the age of 14, becoming the second-youngest signing in MLS history.

He has also represented America at youth level all the way up to the under 20s and had been named in Poland's UEFA Nations League squad in May. However, he has since decided to commit his international future to the USMNT.

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What clubs are interested in Gabriel Slonina?

Chelsea were alleged to have an agreement to sign Slonina prior to the sanctions placed on them in March.

The delay allowed Real Madrid to approach the American and they soon emerged as favourites for his signature, while Bayern Munich, Southampton and Wolves also registered an interest.

However, Chelsea sped up negotiations following Todd Boehly's arrival at the club and pushed to agree a $15m deal with Chicago Fire, including add-ons.