Brighton & Hove Albion have added to their stock of young goalkeeper talent by signing Charlie Wilson-Papps from AFC Wimbledon.
The deal for the teenage prospect for a “substantial six-figure fee” has been confirmed by the League One club on their official website.
Wilson-Papps joined Wimbledon’s academy in 2023. He has represented England at under-15 level. Wimbledon’s academy manager Michael Hamilton, speaking about the move to Brighton, said: “From day one we knew we had identified a young man with real sporting potential.”
The Athletic reported last year on the depth of talent in Brighton’s goalkeeper department. Current No 1 Bart Verbruggen is also the Netherlands No 1 at the age of 22.
Behind Verbruggen’s experienced deputy Jason Steele, they have 21-year-old Republic of Ireland junior international Killian Cahill as senior third choice this season.
Current England Under-21 James Beadle (Sheffield Wednesday) , former England U21 Carl Rushworth (Hull City), Dutch international Kjell Scherpen (Sturm Graz) and Canadian international Tom McGill (MK Dons) are all out on loan.
Brighton also have on their academy books Lorenz Ferdinand, the 18-year-old son of former Manchester United and England central defender Rio Ferdinand.
Fabian Hurzeler’s side, ninth in the Premier League table after defeat to Crystal Palace last time out, return to action at West Ham United on Saturday.
(Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images)
