Gabriel Slonina will look to get some first-team minutes under his belt as it was announced on Thursday that the goalkeeper has joined Belgian Pro League side K.A.S. Eupen on a season-long loan from Chelsea.
The Illinois native was signed by Chelsea in August 2022 from the Chicago Fire in a $10 million transfer. In January 2023, he officially made the move to London where he went on to play for the U-21 side in the Premier Development League.
With several goalkeepers ahead of the 19-year-old on the depth chart at Chelsea, it made sense for him to head out on loan.
“It is a unique opportunity for K.A.S. Eupen to sign a goalkeeper with the talent and class of Gabriel Slonina for one season,” the team general director Chistoph Henkel said in a statement. “After all, before his transfer to Chelsea FC, several top European clubs were also interested in signing him. We are looking forward to working with Gabriel Slonina and are confident that he will give our team support and help us to achieve the goals of this season.”
The Pandas have already started the league season in Belgium and currently sit in fourth place in the standings.
Slonina could have a shot at playing between the stick for Eupen as early as Sunday when they welcome Club Brugge to the Kehrwegstadion.
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