Chelsea have reportedly won the race to sign Southampton’s goalkeeping talent Eddie Beach this summer.
According to football.london journalist Adam Newson, Chelsea have agreed a deal with Southampton for Eddie Beach. The 18-year-old goalkeeper was a sought-after figure in the English market this summer, with many clubs interested in securing his services, but it appears Chelsea have won the race.
The Premier League giants have agreed a fee with Southampton, although the exact terms of the deal have not been revealed. Currently plying his trade with Southampton’s Under-18 setup, the goalkeeping prodigy is likely to be drafted into Chelsea’s youth setup as opposed to joining the senior side.
At the age of just 18, Beach has established himself as one of the most gifted young goalkeepers on the “shores” of England. He was an ever-present figure in Southampton’s Under-18 setup this past season, racking up 18 appearances in the Under-18 Premier League, and keeping five clean sheets in the process.
The Welshman has even represented his country in the youth levels, notably featuring six times for the Under-19 setup. His rapid rise to prominence has not gone unnoticed either, with Chelsea prepared to snap him up in the summer transfer window.
? EXC: Understand Chelsea have agreed a fee with Southampton for goalkeeper Eddie Beach. Several clubs interested but Chelsea have won the race.
— Adam Newson (@AdamNewson) June 15, 2022
The Blues are currently bracing themselves for a major overhaul in the defensive unit, which could include the departure of Kepa Arrizabalaga. The Spanish international has not been able to live up to the expectations following his big-money move from Athletic Club. He has been linked with a move to Lazio lately, with the Chelsea goalkeeper willing to take up a massive pay cut in order to reunite with Maurizio Sarri.
Although Chelsea are in contention to sign Thomas Strakosha as a potential replacement for Kepa, they are scouring the market for homegrown goalkeeping talents, who can emerge as the future number one.
One such player is Eddie Beach. As mentioned earlier, the young Welsh prodigy has enjoyed a rapid rise to prominence and has what it takes to become a top-quality star in the Premier League with Chelsea.
With no experience in top-flight football, the 18-year-old has a long way to before he can become a senior team material at Chelsea. But Chelsea’s world-class youth development facility, the teenager may soon find his footing and emerge as a household name in the club’s youth ranks within the coming years.
