Former Chelsea goalkeeper Jamal Blackman signs with MLS club Los Angeles FC

Long-time Chelsea Loan Army goalkeeper Jamal Blackman left the club this summer upon the expiration of his contract, and after a period of free agency, has found himself a new club.

Yesterday, he officially signed with Los Angeles FC in Major League Soccer through the end of the season (with an option for 2022), filling one of their open “international” roster slots. He’s expected to compete with current starter Tomas Romero and backup Pablo Sisniega as LAFC push to make the MLS playoffs — they’re right in the hunt for the eighth and final spot in the Western Conference, with 11 games to go. He’s actually the oldest and most experienced of the three options for head coach Bob Bradley.

Croydon-born Blackman joined Chelsea at age 13 and worked his way up the youth ranks, though unlike goalkeepers coming through after him in the system, did not go on loan at an early age. Instead, he often served as our third or fourth goalkeeper, including most famously for the 2012 Champions League final when he was just 18.

He would eventually head out on loan in 2014, trying his luck with no fewer than eight (8) teams over the next seven years, including a solid spell last season with Rotherham in the Championship.

Hopefully Blackman performs well and catches on long-term with The Black and Gold.

Good luck, Jamal!

Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images