Chelsea FC are open to offers for goalkeepers Teddy Sharman-Lowe and Gabriel Slonina this week. The club is considering both loan and permanent transfer options for the pair as manager Xabi Alonso shapes his squad for the 2026/27 campaign.
According to a report from the BBC, Chelsea could entertain Championship loan offers for Sharman-Lowe. At the same time, they are exploring both loan and permanent exit routes for American goalkeeper Slonina. This news comes after Alonso recently stated he was content with his goalkeeping department, highlighting Robert Sanchez's Premier League experience and Mike Penders' successful loan at Strasbourg.
Who are the goalkeepers involved?
Teddy Sharman-Lowe is 23 years old and spent last season on loan at Bolton Wanderers in League One. His performances helped Bolton secure promotion to the Championship, making a step up to that division a logical progression. Gabriel Slonina, also 23, served as Chelsea's third-choice goalkeeper last season but did not make a competitive appearance. Both players featured in pre-season, with Sharman-Lowe starting friendlies in Australia and Malaysia, and Slonina coming on as a substitute against Johor Darul Ta'zim.
What does this mean for Chelsea's squad?
The potential departures are part of Alonso's plan to streamline his options. Robert Sanchez and Mike Penders are set to compete for the number one spot. Chelsea's current squad lists Sanchez as the senior goalkeeper, with Penders returning from his loan. The club will still require a third-choice keeper, a role likely filled by whichever of Sharman-Lowe or Slonina remains. However, that player would be an emergency option with minimal involvement, especially as Chelsea have no European football this season after finishing 10th in the Premier League last term.
How did pre-season influence the decision?
Pre-season provided a platform for both goalkeepers. With Filip Jorgensen returning to complete a loan move to Strasbourg and Sanchez managing a minor fitness issue, Sharman-Lowe got valuable minutes. He started against Western Sydney Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur in Australia, and later against Johor Darul Ta'zim in Malaysia. Slonina's appearance in the second half of the Malaysia friendly gave the coaching staff a further look. These auditions have informed the club's current stance as the transfer window remains open.
What happens next for Chelsea?
The immediate focus is on resolving the goalkeeping situation before the window shuts. A loan move for Sharman-Lowe to a Championship club appears the most probable outcome. For Slonina, a permanent transfer could be sought to secure more regular football. Chelsea's season begins with a Premier League match against Manchester City on the weekend of September 12th, a fixture you can find on our fixtures page. The club's preparations continue with Alonso needing a settled group ahead of a challenging opening run of games, with the full league standings from last season highlighting the need for improvement.
