Rio Ferdinand’s son Lorenz has joined the ever-growing list of nepo-babies to sign for Premier League clubs after graduating from Brighton’s youth academy.
The 18-year-old, the eldest of the Manchester United legend’s children he shares with his first wife, the late Rebecca Ellison, first joined the Seagulls as part of their under-13 squad.
Ferdinand, who plays as a goalkeeper, has quickly risen through the ranks and featured in his first Premier League 2 game this year.
The teenager was later sent on loan to Havant & Waterlooville as part of a work experience deal to allow Lorenz to build up playing time after the non-league side’s first-choice ‘keeper, Ben Dudzinski, was ruled out for the remainder of the season.
During his six unbeaten appearances, Lorenz kept two clean sheets in an impressive showing for the Southern League outfit.
Lorenz is one of 13 youth prospects to ink professional deals with Fabian Hurzeler’s side, with Harry Howell and Freddie Simmonds among those to have spent some time training with the first team already.
Rio Ferdinand’s son has signed his first professional contract with Brighton and Hove Albion
The teenager has made appearances with the under-21s team in Premier League 2 last term
Lorenz then linked up with Havant & Waterlooville for a short-term work experience loan
‘We’re pleased to see this cohort of players sign their first professional contracts here, with a number of them at the club from a very young age,’ academy manager Ian Buckman said.
‘All of them have already had some form of experience with the under-21s, while a few have been involved with the first team.
‘We look forward to them continuing their careers with us and helping them develop over the coming years.’
Lorenz’s new deal means he joins fellow sons of Premier League legends in signing for a top flight outfit.
Kai Rooney, 15, son of Rio’s former team-mate and England captain Wayne, is currently earning rave reviews at Manchester United, while Emile Heskey’s sons Jaden, 18, and Reigan, 16, have performed well in Man City’s under-21 team.
They will hope to be following in the path of the likes of Jayden Danns, son of ex-Liverpool star Neil, who made his debut for the Anfield club last year.
In a dream scenario, the youngsters could emulate Liam Delap, son of Stoke City’s atritional former long throw specialist Rory, who has earned a £30million move to Chelsea this summer after an impressive debut Premier League season at Ipswich.
The fresh deal for Lorenz comes one year after the shot-stopper signed with New Era Sports Management, a company whose current clients include Everton stars Michael Keane and Mason Holgate, Wrexham’s Ollie Palmer, and Atalanta’s Ben Godfrey.
Ferdinand and his wife Kate Wright travelled to Marlow to watch his son make his senior debut
New Era has Ferdinand Snr and Lorenz’s uncle Anton as ambassadors and mentors within the company, which was founded by ex-professional footballers Jamie Moralee and Peter Smith in 2007.
At the time, his father posted on Instagram: ‘Our eldest is on his own journey in football. Another nice moment signing with @neweraglobalsports, well earned through hard work & dedication.
‘It’s a long road full of ups and downs, so the right & professional support is required – so step forward @neweraglobalsports. Love you Lorenz.’
Ahead of joining up with the senior team for pre-season, Lorenz has been enjoying some necessary down time, sharing a slew of pictures from his holiday abroad to Instagram.
