Brighton & Hove Albion have signed Manchester United great Rio Ferdinand’s son, Lorenz. Softfootball understands that this will be Lorenz’s first professional contract.
The Athletic explains that the 18-year-old goalkeeper, the eldest son of the former England central defender, who won the Premier League title six times with Manchester United joined Brighton as an under-13 player and has progressed steadily.
Lorenz made his debut for the under-21’s in Premier League 2 in January 2025 and his senior debut for seventh-tier Havant and Waterlooville in April. He kept two clean sheets in six unbeaten appearances during a work experience loan towards the end of last season with the Southern League side.
Brighton have a strong record in developing young goalkeepers. James Beadle, signed from Charlton in 2022, has joined Championship side Birmingham City on loan for the coming season after helping England under-21’s to win the European Championships in Slovakia last month.
Ferdinand is among 13 academy products awarded their first professional deals by Brighton.
His father Rio was discovered at 11 years in the local area, Eltham Town. He joined West Ham United youth team in 1992 and went ahead to play for the senior team for 5 years(1995-2000).
Lorenz’s father would go ahead to play for clubs like Manchester United, Leeds United and Queens Park Rangers. Rio also played his country from the U18s to the Three Lions were he won 81 senior caps.
Rio won the Premier League title 6 times, the UEFA Champions League, the League Cup, FA Community Shield and the FIFA Club World Cup.
It is looking like the era of former football greats having their children sign their first professional contracts as Softfootball reported how Chelsea legend Petr Cech’s son, Damian Cech was signed up by Fulham.
Chelsea legend, Petr Cech will see his 16 year old son, Damian Cech play for Chelsea’s rivals, Fulham next season. The former Czech Republic international wanted his son to sign for Chelsea but Fulham’s offer was more lucrative.
Cech, who won four Premier League titles and one Champions League with Chelsea during 11 seasons with the Blues also played for city rivals, Arsenal and his son has taken the part to play for city rivals as well apart from following his dad’s football steps.
