Chelsea keeper Gabriel Slonina set to move to KAS Eupen on loan

Chelsea’s highly-touted goalkeeper, Gabriel Slonina, is embarking on an exciting new journey in Belgium.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the 19-year-old is on the cusp of joining Belgian side KAS Eupen on a one-year loan deal.

Having been part of Chelsea’s first-team squad during the pre-season tour in the United States, Slonina has left an impression on the Blues’ coaching staff. 

Nevertheless, with seasoned custodians like Kepa Arrizabalaga holding the fort at Stamford Bridge, it was evident that there might not be enough game time for the talented shot-stopper.

Slonina joined Chelsea from Chicago Fire last summer, and the Blues paid a £7.7 million transfer fee. 

However, the agreement stipulated that he would stay with the MLS outfit until January 1 before officially donning the Blues’ jersey. 

In the meantime, the young American played in eight Premier League 2 matches for the London club last season.

The rising star’s decision to embark on a loan spell to KAS Eupen is a calculated move, allowing him to gain valuable experience in a competitive league while contending with seasoned professionals week in and week out.

Slonina’s trajectory has been nothing short of remarkable. Bursting onto the professional scene with Chicago Fire at the tender age of 17 years and 81 days, he etched his name in the history books as the youngest starting goalkeeper in MLS history. 

As Chelsea’s supporters eagerly watch on to see how he will do during the loan spell, they will hope that Slonina’s expedition to KAS Eupen will mould him into a formidable presence between the sticks. 

All eyes will be on the young American as he embarks on this Belgian adventure.

Interestingly, Chelsea’s goalkeeping position remains a cause for concern amongst the club’s faithful, with many feeling Arrizabalaga is not up to standard.

Chelsea looked set to pursue a new number one this summer but have not made any moves with their focus on Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo.