MLS outfit Real Salt Lake have confirmed that both Fernando Delgado and Gavin Beavers are heading to England for a trial at Premier League outfit Crystal Palace, via the club’s official website.
Last week, reports emerged suggesting that Patrick Vieira’s side could sign a genuine wonderkid with a world-record under his belt. Fernando Delgado, when making his debut at the age of 15 a year ago, became the youngest goalkeeper ever to represent a senior side in professional football.
Now, nearly 12 months later, Delgado could be about to take another major step in his development. Crystal Palace, per Jovenes Futbolistas, will take Delgado on trial this month.
The highly-rated teenager, who honed his talent and technical ability in Barcelona’s America-based academy branch, is due to stay in the English capital from November 3rd to the 19th.
Delgado’s contract expires in a matter of weeks. Should he impress this side of the Atlantic, Crystal Palace could sign him without needing to pay a penny.
Crystal Palace to look at Fernando Delgado and Gavin Beavers
And Delgado will be joined in South London by two familiar faces.
Fellow goalkeeper Gavin Beavers, Real Salt Lake say, is also heading to Palace. The Nevada-born USA U19 international, one year older than Delgado at 17, has a contract until December 2023. Time will tell how much Salt Lake would want if The Eagles opt to keep him this side of the pond.
Goalkeeping coach Mirza Harambasic is also bound for England, though it is not certain in what capacity. Harambasic, interestingly, has played a major role in Delgado’s development.
“(Harambasic) said I reminded him of (former Arsenal and Napoli ace) David Ospina a lot,” Delgado explains.
“Fernando has continually proven that he has talent in abundance,” adds Tony Beltran, Real Salt Lake’s Assistant General Manager.
Delgado and Beavers, should they sign on the dotted line, will form part of Palace’s development squad, following the likes of Scott Banks, Luke Plange, Kofi Balmer and Cormac Austin.
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