‘Today’: £12m player who Chelsea staff really like is now leaving on loan

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Gabriel Slonina is now set to leave Chelsea on loan for the 2023/24 campaign – after the Blues agreed a deal with KAS Eupen.

That is according to Fabrizio Romano.

So, what is the latest on Gabriel Slonina at Chelsea? Let’s take a look…

What’s the story?

Well, the 19-year-old was involved in Chelsea’s tour of the United States this summer, and Mauricio Pochettino even handed him a start as the Blues defeated Fulham 2-0.

Now – however – after the arrival of Robert Sanchez, Chelsea have decided to loan Slonina out.

Romano believes the United States international will sign for KAS Eupen at some point today (Tuesday) – he has already agreed personal terms with the Belgian side, and final details are being sorted right now.

Chelsea paid £12m to sign Slonina from Chicago Fire back in August 2022, and the teenager has gone on to make eight appearances for the Under-21 side at Stamford Bridge.

The Illinois-born glovesman is yet to make a competitive senior appearance for Chelsea, however.

Chelsea staff have high hopes for Gabriel Slonina

In our view, this is not a loan where Chelsea fans should never expect to see the player back at Stamford Bridge, as we’ve experienced in the past with names such as Baba Rahman, Ethan Ampadu and so on.

According to Romano once again, Chelsea staff really like Slonina, and are happy with his progress in west London.

The reliable Italian journalist told Caught Offside: “The Chelsea coaching staff are very happy with young keeper Gabriel Slonina, but he seems likely to be loaned out.

“He’s a very talented, hard working boy, but he’s still only 19 and so experience will be important for him. From what I understand there is a very advanced negotiation with Belgian club Eupen for him to go there on loan for one season – they are the favourites, but let’s see if other clubs enter the race.”

Hopefully, Slonina can make a name for himself in Belgium, and return to Chelsea ready to compete against Kepa Arrizabalaga, as well as Sanchez.