The decision to sign 18-year-old Gabriel Slonina from the MLS this past summer can be easily categorised as one for the future, or at the very least, a low-risk deal that could offer big value to Chelsea.
Slonina had attracted interest from several European clubs months before his eventual transfer to Chelsea was confirmed in July. As football.london reported, Bayern Munich and Wolves were both said to hold some interest, with the sanctions placed on Roman Abramovich back in March potentially derailing Chelsea's chances.
Real Madrid later came in, but Chelsea won out for the Chicago Fire keeper. "It's been an honour to play for Chicago Fire, and it's gonna be an honour to play for Chelsea as well". Slonina told The Evening Standard back in September.
