Crystal Palace are ready to take promising teenage goalkeeper Fernando Delgado on trial
According to Jovenes Futbolistas MX on Twitter, Premier League side Crystal Palace are keen to take 16-year-old Mexican sensation, Fernando Delgado, on a trial.
The teenager recently became the youngest goalkeeper to feature in the American professional football set-up and is already attracting attention from abroad. Palace are set to take on the player on a trial from November 3-19.
The trip to England will give Delgado an ideal opportunity to boost his development as a professional footballer. While football in the United States of America has its place, switching to Europe could prove pivotal in fast-tracking his progress as a dependable senior-level regular.
Delgado currently plays his trade for MLS side Real Salt Lake but is yet to make a senior appearance for them. The ones so far have come while at Real Monarchs, a third-division side that is for all effects and purposes Salt Lake reserves.
🚨¡EXCLUSIVA! Al Crystal Palace 🏴
Me dicen que Fernando Delgado(17) el portero más joven en debutar en una liga profesional, estará aprueba con el Crystal Palace del 3-19 de Noviembre
Jugador del Real Salt Lake y selecciónado mexicano juvenil ✍️ pic.twitter.com/fjkNPIfiY8
— Jovenes Futbolistas MX (@Jovenesfutmx) October 24, 2022
The teenager came to attention when he made his debut as a 15-year-old last year for Real Monarchs in the USL Championship. While he was certainly raw, there were enough moments to suggest that with the right guidance, he could develop into a solid player. A regular for Mexico’s youth sides, his talent is certainly one to keep an eye on.
By acting fast, Palace could land themselves a prodigious talent before bigger clubs come calling. Under Patrick Vieira, the Eagles appear to be eyeing youth who can become the cornerstone of their squad for years to come.
Given his age and experience, Delgado is unlikely to find himself included in Palace’s senior side anytime soon. Should he make an impression, there is every chance to believe that a move to England will see him spend some time in the reserves before potentially making the step up.
Should the transfer go ahead, the Mexican teen will be the second goalkeeper to move to a London side in recent times. MLS sensation Gabriel Slolina is set to join Chelsea on January 1, 2023, and comes highly rated. Whether Delgado too will follow in his footsteps and grace England’s shores on a permanent deal remains to be seen.
