Chelsea snap up Eddie Beach with Southampton and Wales wonderkid joining development squad next season

CHELSEA have confirmed the signing of Southampton and Wales wonderkid Eddie Beach for an undisclosed fee.

The 18-year-old goalkeeper will join the Blues' prestigious academy set-up.

Beach has previously played in the Premier League 2 for Southampton.

But he has primarily featured for the Saints' U18s side, where he helped the side reach the Premier League national final.

The game ended in defeat to Manchester City at St Mary's.

Chelsea’s assistant head of youth development and head of youth recruitment, Jim Fraser, told the club’s website: “We are very pleased to bring Eddie to the club.

“He is a talented goalkeeper with good potential and will join our development squad for the coming season.”

According to the , a number of non-league clubs approached Southampton with the prospect of taking Beach on loan.

Seventh-tier Poole Town were one of those teams but Chelsea managed to get a deal over the line.

Chelsea's U23s finished 12th in the Premier League 2 last term.

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The Blues finished just above Leeds and Derby, who were relegated.

Man City finished top, 26 points above Chelsea's academy aces.