Chelsea goalkeeper Gabriel 'Gaga' Slonina has been pictured training with Strasbourg, casting doubt on his future at Stamford Bridge. The 22-year-old United States international joined Chelsea from Chicago Fire in 2022 but has yet to make a first-team appearance for the club, instead spending time on loan at Chicago Fire, Belgian side Eupen, and Barnsley.
Slonina's Chelsea Career
Last season, Slonina served as Chelsea's third-choice goalkeeper, sharing that role with Max Merrick and Teddy Sharman-Lowe as Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen competed for the starting spot. In four years with Chelsea, Slonina has made 11 appearances for the Under-21s but none for the senior side. His long-term future has been plunged into doubt after he was spotted training with Chelsea's BlueCo sister club, Strasbourg.
It is unclear how long Slonina has been training with the Ligue 1 side, but he will benefit from the guidance of newly appointed head coach Hugo Oliveira, an esteemed goalkeeper coach credited with developing Jan Oblak and Manchester City legend Ederson.
Mike Penders' Return
Slonina's appearance in Alsace comes after Mike Penders returned to Chelsea from a loan spell at Strasbourg, leaving the Blues with five first-team goalkeepers on their books. Penders, 20, was Strasbourg's first-choice goalkeeper throughout the 2025/26 campaign and is highly rated by Chelsea's hierarchy, who view him as a potential long-term No. 1. He is expected to serve as Sanchez's backup under new manager Xabi Alonso, with Jorgensen having submitted a transfer request.
Future Options
Penders' return leaves Strasbourg without a first-choice goalkeeper, making a sale or loan move for Slonina a viable option. Chelsea have regularly exchanged players with Strasbourg since BlueCo acquired a majority stake in the club in 2023. Ecuadorian midfielder Kendry Paez also trained with Strasbourg before moving there on loan in 2025. Slonina's short-term future remains unclear, but a move to Strasbourg could provide him with regular playing time.
