27-Year-Old Former Chelsea Product Joins LAFC As A Free Agent
The Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) announced today the signing of free agent goalkeeper Jamal Blackman. Blackman will occupy an international slot through 2021, with a Club option for 2022 and will be added to LAFC’s roster pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate and P1 Visa.
“Jamal is a talented goalkeeper and an important addition to the Club” said Co-President and General Manager John Thorrington, “We look forward to welcoming him and are confident that he will prove to be a great fit with his skills and experience.”
Blackman, 27, made his way through the ranks of the Chelsea Academy as a youth player and originally signed a professional contract with Chelsea in 2012. He was a member of Chelsea’s 2012 UEFA Champions League Final roster and also was on the senior roster when Chelsea were crowned the champions of the English Premier League in 2015-16.
The six-foot-six goalkeeper is a former youth international for England, representing the national team at the U-17 and U-19 levels.
The native of Croydon, England joins LAFC after spending the 2020-21 season on loan with Rotherham United of the English Championship where he made 28 appearances in all competitions and recorded six clean sheets.
Since 2016, Chelsea has loaned Blackman to six different clubs in Sweden and England. Jamal was loaned to Swedish side Östersund in 2016 where he made 12 appearances across all competitions. During the 2016-17 season Blackman returned to English football and played in 42 matches with League Two side Wycombe Wanderers. In 2017, Jamal registered nine shutouts in 31 games for Sheffield United of the English Championship. Blackman spent 2018-19 with Leeds United of the English Championship and then made 10 appearances for the Bristol Rovers of English League One, registering three clean sheets.
TRANSACTION: Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) signs English Goalkeeper Jamal Blackman through 2021 with options through 2022 and will occupy and international roster slot pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate and P1 Visa.
VITALS:
Full Name: Jamal Blackman
Position: Goalkeeper
Born: 10/23/1993
Height: 6-6
Weight: 205 lbs.
Birthplace: Croydon, England
Hometown: Croydon, England
Last Club: Chelsea F.C.
Citizenship: England
How Acquired: Signed on Sep.13, 2021.
Roster Designation: International
