Former Bristol Rovers loanee Jamal Blackman has secured a transfer to MLS side LAFC, where he'll become a teammate of former Arsenal and Real Sociedad forward Carlos Vela.
Blackman was signed on loan by the Gas in January 2020 from Chelsea following an injury sustained by No1 Anssii Jaakkola and made 10 appearances in League One, keeping three clean sheets, before Covid-19 ended the campaign prematurely.
The goalkeeper returned to his parent club, who he has been with since 2006 without making a first-team appearance, before the eighth loan of his Chelsea career to Rotherham United last season but was then released on a free transfer this summer.
The 27-year-old has signed a one-year contract in California with LAFC, who are managed by former United States and Swansea City manager Bob Bradley, holding an option of a further 12 months.
"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."
LAFC finished seventh in the Western Conference in last year's MLS season before being eliminated in the first round of the play-offs. They currently lie eighth, one place outside the postseason places with 11 games remaining.
Blackman impressed at Rovers, giving him a platform to rebuild his career after sustaining a broken leg at Leeds United.
Following a long list of loan moves, including Vitesse in the Netherlands and Ostersunds of Sweden, he will take his first steps in the game away from the Chelsea umbrella with a permanent move to Banc of California Stadium.
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