It’s not the kind of story that’s going to make major headlines given what’s going on with the first team right now, but Chelsea’s official website has just announced that goalkeeper Teddy Sharman-Lowe has signed a new contract with the club, adding another year to his current deal with a club option to make it two.
The 21 year old joined the Blues from Burton Albion as a teenager in 2020, and has since had spells back on loan with the Brewers and with Havant & Waterlooville and Bromley.
That experience served him well, and this year he returned to Chelsea to be first choice for the Development Squad who performed very well this season.
Being back at the mothership also allowed him to train with the first team more often, and make appearances on the bench in the Carabao Cup, FA Cup and even in the Premier League.
He looks ready for another step now, and it will be interesting to see what plan the sporting directors have for him.
Pleased to announce that Chelsea and England GK Teddy Sharman-Lowe has signed a new contract with the club 🧤🤝
Teddy is one of the most talented young GK’s in the country and will look to continue his development on loan in the EFL next season. @chelseayouth #CFC #Chelsea pic.twitter.com/7ggW2ZqIcz
— Ned Ozkasim (@nedoz9) May 24, 2024
An important next stage
Goalkeepers have a totally different pattern and rhythm of development to outfield players, and it’s much harder to assess their progress and their potential. Unlike a talented young winger who can go out and make an impact as a sub as a teenager, teams aren’t likely to trust a position as important as goalkeeper to anyone who isn’t a little older and more experienced – hence the tendency to send goalies on loans to much lower levels than their outfield counterparts, even when they’re a little older.
A Tweet from Sharman-Lowe’s agent Ned Ozkasim added the detail that his client, whom he calls “one of the most talented young GK’s in the country” will “look to continue his development in the EFL next season.”
We’re really excited for this next stage for Teddy.
Goodness knows we need a better shot stooped than Petrovic! At a very minimum there needs to be real competition at keeper in order to push the incumbents forward.