Chelsea complete the signing of Gaga Slonina from Chicago Fire

According to reports, Chelsea have secured the services of Gaga Slonina from the Chicago Fire. As stated by Fabrizio Romano, the talented shot-stopper will join the Premier League outfit in a deal worth $15 million.

The player will have his medical over the weekend but join the Blues at the end of the MLS 2022 season as Chelsea have decided to loan him back to Chicago Fire.

The European heavyweights, including Chelsea, have been tracking Gaga Slonina ever since Chicago Fire drafted the young prodigy into their starting XI.

The West London outfit defeated the likes of Real Madrid to secure Slonina’s signature. Gaga Slonina became the youngest starting goalkeeper in the history of the Major Soccer League when he made his debut on August 4, 2021.

Benjamin Mendy’s arrival at Stamford Bridge has made the game time hard to come by for Kepa Arrizabalaga. This transfer adds fire to the rumor linking Kepa Arrizzabalaga’s departure on loan.

Gaga Slonina in the MLS:

Gaga Slonina has appeared in 34 games for the Chicago Fire since his debut in 2021. He played 11 games in 2021 whereas he has 23 appearances to his name in 2022. Gaga Slonina has conceded 44 goals in 34 games and has 14 clean sheets over the two seasons.

Gaga Slonina is nearing the history of the Major Soccer League despite highs and lows in 2022. The player has 10 clean sheets in 2022 and the Chicago Fire has 11 games to play in the remainder of the season.

Slonina might end up breaking the record of most clean sheets (17) in the history of the Major Soccer League if he brings his “top game” to the competition.

(Stats via fbref and transfermarkt)

Gaga Slonina’s international duties:

The 18-year-old is yet to play for the United States of America’s senior team but was on the bench when they played an international friendly against Bosnia in 2021.

The prodigal shot-stopper has featured for the United States of America’s youth setup (U15, U16, U17 and U20) and has nine appearances to his name. Though the player has a Polish passport because of his parents, he made his intentions clear to represent the United States.

(* – The match between Chicago Fire and Atlanta United ended in a stalemate on 30th July. Slonina secured his 14th clean sheet of the season.)

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