Official: AFC Bournemouth sign Chelsea Academy goalkeeper Kai Crampton

Yesterday at 02:29 AM

Bye, Kai

Chelsea youngster Kai Crampton has yesterday completed a permanent move to AFC Bournemouth, singing a long-term professional contract. Terms of the deal were not disclosed, though any fees that may be involved will be negligible in the greater scheme of things. He's the second Chelsea goalkeeper to join the Cherries in the last six months, with Kepa Arrizabalaga on loan there for the season already.

Crampton, who will be turning 18 next week and who has trained with Kepa during preseason at Cobham, is expected to split time between Bournemouth's U18 and U21 squads, at least initially.

"I'm over the moon to sign for AFC Bournemouth. I feel like it will be a good start to my journey through my career. It will be a good opportunity to get a lot of game time and you can see there is a good pathway at this club as young players are breaking into the first team.

"I was at Chelsea for 11 years and had a good education there. I can bring my game knowledge of football to Bournemouth when I play. I just want to get as much game time as I can and do as well as I can to show the coaches and managers that I'm worth keeping."

-Kai Crampton; source: AFC Bournemouth

Crampton had been at Chelsea since age 7, working his way up the ranks and going out on short-term loans to non-league sides on a couple occasions in the last year. He's not quite managed to stand out in a crowded field at Cobham, so hopefully he finds his pathway at Bournemouth.

Farewell and good luck, Kai!