Hartlepool United have completed the signing of Chelsea goalkeeper Max Merrick.
Hartlepool United have ended their search for a new goalkeeper by completing the signing of Chelsea’s highly-rated stopper Max Merrick on a season-long loan deal.
The England Under-20 international is yet to make his senior debut for the Premier League giants but has been an unused substitute on 11 occasions in the Champions League, Premier League, UEFA Conference League and FA Cup over the last three seasons. However, first-team experience was secured when Merrick spent time with Southern Premier League club Hanwell Town and National League South side Hampton and Richmond Borough.
Hartlepool United have signed Chelsea goalkeeper Max Merrick on loan (photo Hartlepool United FC)placeholder image
Hartlepool United have signed Chelsea goalkeeper Max Merrick on loan (photo Hartlepool United FC) | Hartlepool United FC
Merrick’s progress over the last two seasons was rewarded with a maiden call-up to the England Under-20 squad as he appeared alongside the likes of Middlesbrough new boy Will Lankshear and Sheffield United star Sydie Peck in a 1-1 draw with Poland after making his international debut as a substitute in a 3-0 win against Czechia. Merrick put pen-to-paper on a new long-term deal at Chelsea earlier this year and he has now expressed his desire to continue his development by enjoying a successful loan spell at Victoria Park.
He told the cub website: “I’m absolutely delighted to be joining Pools and I can’t wait to get started. I’ve been at Chelsea since I was 12 and it’s been an incredible place to develop. I’ve learned so much from the coaches and the players around me, but I feel like I’m ready for the next step now. Playing senior football regularly is where I want to be and, as soon as I heard about the opportunity to come here, I knew it was one I wanted to take.
“When I first spoke to Chris Maxwell and then Lee Clark, I came away knowing this was the right move for me. They were really clear about what they wanted from me and why they felt this was the right place for me to keep improving. That gave me a lot of confidence. Pools is a huge football club with fantastic supporters and I’m looking forward to getting started. I’ll work as hard as I can every day, compete for my place and do everything I can to help the team have a successful season.”