CHERRIES SWOOP FOR GOALKEEPER KAI

AFC Bournemouth are delighted to announce the signing of teenage goalkeeper Kai Crampton.

Crampton, who progressed through the academy ranks at Chelsea, has joined the Cherries on a professional contract.

Capped by England at under-16 and under-17 level, he will train and play with both the development squad and under-18s at Vitality Stadium.

Crampton, who next week celebrates his 18th birthday, trained during pre-season with Kepa Arrizabalaga who is currently on loan to the Cherries from Chelsea.

He told afcb.co.uk: “I’m over the moon to sign for AFC Bournemouth. I feel like it will be a good start to my journey through my career.

“It will be a good opportunity to get a lot of game time and you can see there is a good pathway at this club as young players are breaking into the first team.

“I was at Chelsea for 11 years and had a good education there. I can bring my game knowledge of football to Bournemouth when I play.

“I just want to get as much game time as I can and do as well as I can to show the coaches and managers that I’m worth keeping.”

Watford-born Crampton helped Chelsea win Under-18 Premier League South and the Under-17 Premier League Cup last season.

In November, he joined Hampton & Richmond on a matchday loan and kept a clean sheet in their FA Trophy victory against Yate Town.

AFC Bournemouth development squad goalkeeping coach Charlie Philpott said: “We are pleased to have Kai sign with us.

“He is a good young goalkeeper who has previously had some good experiences within England’s youth setup as well as in the men’s environment with Hampton & Richmond in recent years.

“He’ll come into a competitive and improving PDP goalkeeping setup with us at AFC Bournemouth and we’re looking forward to seeing how he develops in the coming seasons!!!!!!