Brighton Academy goalkeeper signs for Blackburn

Brighton and Hove Albion FC Football Sport

Brighton Academy goalkeeper Finley Taylor has signed a two-year professional contract at Blackburn Rovers, with a one-year option.

The 18-year-old goalkeeper spent part of last season on trial to Rovers, and had impressed during that time. That prompted the Championship side to sign him on a pro deal.

On signing for the club, Finley said: “It’s really big for me and what I’ve been working towards, so I’m really happy and excited to get started…

“I was here for three weeks at the end of last season and got the opportunity to train with the first team, which pushed me on and I really enjoyed it.

“The facilities here are really good, the pitches are great and the Category One status always helps because you challenge yourself every week against the best teams in the country.

"Coming here, I can feel myself improving even more.

“I want to get lots of minutes in the Under-21s and I’m excited to play football. Hopefully, I can train with the first team this season as well.”

Taylor arrived on a free transfer from The Seagulls, a place he’d been from Under-13s to the Under-18s.