Chelsea have been handing out a number of professional contracts to some of the youngsters coming through at Cobham, and goalkeeper Freddy Bernal is the latest to receive the honour.
The Blues are on a mission to tie down some of their most promising young players to new contracts after being stung by the exit of Rio Ngumoha to Liverpool in the summer of 2025,
Impressive young midfielder Reggie Walsh has been given his first professional deal in a week which saw him become Chelsea’s youngest ever player to feature in the Champions League at 17 years of age.
Bernal is another player who has impressed enough to sign the professional contract with the club, having made 13 appearances for the Under 18s.
Freddy Bernal signs professional Chelsea contract despite never keeping a clean sheet
He has also been promoted to the Under 21s, however is yet to make an appearance for that age level at Cobham.
In his appearances for Chelsea at any level, Bernal is yet to keep a clean sheet for Chelsea, however clearly has impressed enough to be part of the club’s future.
In his 10 outings in the U18 Premier League, the 17-year-old has conceded 18 goals. In the Uefa Youth League, he has shipped seven in just three games.
Bernal’s chances of making it at Chelsea
The goalkeeper position at Chelsea is one that many believe could be strengthened at the moment. There is little confidence in Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen.
The Blues have been linked with signing Mike Maignan when he becomes a free agent at the end of the season, and he could be the perfect addition to bring in to mentor some of the youngsters coming through.
There is a lot of faith in Mike Penders to take the gloves when he returns from his loan at Strasbourg, and if he becomes a success there will be little opportunity for Bernal to make it.
The youngster can only continue to earn his stripes with the academy sides, and grasp any opportunity that comes his way in the first team picture.
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