Listing ten young goalkeeper talents across the country who have put pen to paper on pro terms for the first time this year…
Jack Austin - Chelsea
Chelsea announced that young goalkeeper Jack Austin has signed his first professional deal with the club in November. Austin joined the Blues at the end of his U14 season following a spell with Cambridge United. He has progressed through the age groups and last term helped Chelsea's Under-17s win the Premier League Cup after defeating Wolves.
Cian O'Shea - Stockport County
17-year-old Academy Scholar O’Shea has signed his first professional contract with Stockport, penning a deal until 2027. After a string of impressive performances for County’s U18 side and numerous call-ups for Republic of Ireland U19s, O'Shea earned his first pro-deal with the Club. He joined County at U15 level, arriving from his local grassroots side, having previously represented England Schoolboys (ISFA).
Finlay Herrick – West Ham United
West Ham United announced in October 2024 that young goalkeeper Finlay Herrick had signed a new long-term contract until the summer of 2028, with an option for a further year. An Academy of Football graduate who first trained with the club at the age of six, Herrick made 23 appearances for the U18s during the 2023/24 season, while also representing England U18s in two international friendlies against France and Germany. In 2024/25, he made his debut for England U19s in a 2-2 draw against Italy.
Kornel Misciur – Liverpool
Liverpool's commitment to nurturing young talent was evident when 17-year-old goalkeeper Kornel Misciur signed his first professional contract with the Reds in October 2024. Misciur joined Liverpool from Hull in the summer of 2023 and has since showcased significant progress within the club's academy system. Born in Scarborough to Polish parents, Liverpool describe Kornel as a ‘commanding ‘keeper’, having started life with the Reds’ U18 side as a first-year scholar in 2023-24.
Katie Cox – Chelsea
In August 2024, 18-year-old Katie Cox signed her first professional contract with Chelsea, committing to the club until the summer of 2026, with an option for an additional year. Having joined Chelsea's academy at the age of eight, Cox has progressed through the club's ranks and continues in the footsteps of a goalkeeper department that has nurtured some of the finest goalkeeping talent in the women's game. Hannah Hampton, Carly Telford, and Ann-Katrin Berger are three names that immediately make the VIP list.
Alexei Rojas – Arsenal
In July 2024, Arsenal announced that Alexei Rojas had signed his first professional contract with the club. Rojas made 11 appearances across Arsenal's academy sides in the previous season, including all six matches in the UEFA Youth League group stage. He also represents Colombia at the under-20 level.
Kit Margetson - Swansea City
Son of England goalkeeper coach Martyn Margetson, Kit Margetson signed his first professional deal with Wales through to 2026 in July. Margetson has been at the Swans since U15 level, and earned himself another three years at the club whilst still being a scholar. The young goalkeeper also played a vital role in Wales U17s' triumphant European qualification back in March and the tournament in May.
Arron Davies - Port Vale
Port Vale announced that academy graduate Arron Davies signed his first professional contract with the club in early July. The 18-year-old goalkeeper, who joined at U16 level, has been training and traveling with the first team squad regularly. Manager Darren Moore praised Davies' development, highlighting the benefits of working alongside experienced goalkeepers like Connor Ripley and Ben Amos.
Ben Cisse – West Bromwich Albion
In May 2024, West Bromwich Albion announced that goalkeeper Ben Cisse had committed his future to the club by signing his first professional contract. The England youth international, who has represented his country at U15, 17, 18, and 19 levels, penned a two-year deal, keeping him at The Hawthorns until June 2026.
George Pickford – Everton
In May 2024, Everton U18s goalkeeper George Pickford signed his first professional contract at Goodison Park. The club confirmed that he signed a two-year deal, committing his future to Everton until June 2026. Unrelated to First Team goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, George has been at Goodison Park since the age of 11.
