USMNT have several great young stars on their roster with their young captain Christian Pulisic leading the way. Players like Weston McKennie, Sergino Dest and Giovanni Reyna are all below the age of 25 and have the potential to be superstars on a global stage.
Another young and upcoming player with a similar level of potential is USMNT keeper Gabriel Slonina. The 18-year-old recently shifted to the USMNT, announcing that he won’t be shifting his allegiances to Poland. Slonina plays for the Chicago Fire FC in the MLS, and his performances have turned heads around the globe.
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Slonina was linked with a move to Champions League winners Real Madrid as the Los Blancos were interested in his services. They did make a bid and Slonina had reportedly agreed on personal terms with the club. However, it looks that is not going anywhere now.
Chelsea is close to signing Gabriel Slonina
Last year’s Champions League winners, Chelsea, have also been interested in the keeper and have reportedly leapfrogged Madrid in the race to sign Slonina. The American will be a good understudy for Chelsea keeper Eduoard Mendy, and Chelsea’s second-choice keeper is an area of concern.
Chelsea broke the transfer record when they signed Kepa Arrizabalaga from Athletic Bilbao. However, that move hasn’t worked out at all, and Mendy was the man who saved them ever since he joined the club.
Slonina would initially go back to Chicago on loan to get some more game time before joining Chelsea. Thomas Tuchel would want him to gain some valuable experience and there’s also the possibility of Slonina making it to the USMNT squad for the World Cup in Qatar.
Who will play in goal for the USMNT?
Slonina is a really bright prospect, but currently, he’s not even close to starting for the USMNT. New Arsenal signing Matt Turner and Manchester City’s Zack Steffen are both ahead in the pecking order.
However, USMNT manager Gregg Berhalter will certainly give Slonina a couple of chances to prove himself before the World Cup and the onus would be on the 18-year-old to prove himself.
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