Soccer

Chelsea sign goalkeeper Willy Caballero

Former Manchester City goalkeeper to provide cover for Thibaut Courtois; club also sign 16-year-old Ethan Ampadu from Exeter

Sat Jul 1 2017 - 14:40

Chelsea have announced the signing of goalkeeper Willy Caballero. The 35-year-old Argentinian was available as a free agent after being released by Manchester City at the end of last season.

Premier League champions Chelsea were in the market for a new goalkeeper after selling back-up Asmir Begovic to Bournemouth in May.

Caballero, who joined City in 2014 following stints at Malaga and Elche in Spain and with Boca Juniors in his homeland, said on www.chelseafc.com: “I am very happy to join Chelsea, the champions of England.

“I am looking forward to meeting the guys and helping the club achieve more success in the coming season.”

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The South American veteran will provide competition to first-choice Thibaut Courtois at Stamford Bridge, with 34-year-old Portugal international Eduardo also an option for coach Antonio Conte.

Chelsea technical director Michael Emenalo said: “We are very happy to have Willy on board. He knows the Premier League and is tried and tested at the top of the game. We have three experienced goalkeepers and we look forward to welcoming him to the club when the squad returns to pre-season training.“

Earlier on Saturday it emerged that Chelsea had won the race for highly-rated Exeter teenager Ethan Ampadu. The 16-year-old, who trained with the senior Wales squad ahead of Euro 2016, has signed a deal with Chelsea after deciding to leave Exeter. Ampadu's father, Kwame, is a former Republic of Ireland under-21 international.

Exeter will not receive a transfer fee as Ampadu had yet to sign scholarship forms at St James Park but the Grecians are entitled to compensation for their academy product.

Exeter said in a statement they hope a figure can be agreed with Chelsea for the Wales Under-19 defender without the need to go to a tribunal.

Ampadu became Exeter’s youngest debutant - beating Cliff Bastin’s long-standing record - after being given his bow in last season’s League Cup match against Brentford aged 15 years, 10 months and 26 days, and he went on to make 13 appearances for the first team.

Exeter manager Paul Tisdale said on his club's website: "Everyone at Exeter City fully supports Ethan's decision to sign for Chelsea.

“He had many options available to him and has decided that Chelsea provides him with the best opportunity to develop the next step of his career. We wish him the very best of luck.”

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