Chicago Fire and Chelsea finalizing deal for Gabriel Slonina
The 18-year-old goalkeeper is one signature away from joining the five time Premier League champions but will remain with the MLS franchise this season.
After weeks of negotiations between the Chicago Fire and Chelsea, both sides have reached a verbal deal to send Gabriel Slonina to the Premier League according to journalist Fabrizio Romano. The Blues are expected to pay close to $10 million plus add-ons to the Fire for the 18-year-old goalkeeper and he could be among the most expensive transfer in MLS history.
Slonina to stay at Chicago
Chelsea’s new American owner Todd Boehly was involved in the negotiations and talked with Slonina and the people in charge in Chicago. The deal should be finalized this week and Slonina will remain in Major League Soccer for the remainder of the 2022 campaign.
The Blues moved quickly to sign the American goalkeeper when Real Madrid got involved. The Fire rejected the bid from the LaLiga side in early-June because Chelsea’s proposal was higher and the relationship with Boehly influenced Slonina’s decision.
The 18-year-old goalkeeper is having a breakout season so far with the Fire and he records 11 clean sheets in 30 appearances so far. Gabriel Slonina has been Chicago’s starting goalkeeper since 2021 and he is awaiting a call up for the United States men’s national team.