Southampton are expected to announce the free signing of goalkeeper Willy Caballero on a short-term contract, as per The Athletic. The Argentinian custodian, who last played in the Premier League for Chelsea, was released by the Blues at the end of the 2020/21 season. Caballero has also previously represented Manchester City in the past.
The Saints have decided to bring Caballero in at this time to counter an ongoing injury crisis in goal. They have lost both senior goalkeeper Fraser Forster and Alex McCarthy to injuries, and youngster Harry Lewis is the only available option presently. Meanwhile, to keep himself fit, Caballero has been training with EFL club AFC Wimbledon recently. The Athletic report that a deal was reached quickly, with the player himself keen to join the club.
40-year-old Caballero arrived in England in 2014 to sign for Manchester City, where he was reunited with his former Malaga boss Manuel Pellegrini. After making 48 appearances over the next three seasons, the Argentine left City to sign for Chelsea on a free transfer to act as Thibaut Courtois’ back-up.
The Belgian left the following summer and was promptly replaced by Kepa Arrizabalaga – whom the Blues made the most expensive goalkeeper in the world – but for the next two years, Caballero often would switch places with him due to a sharp decline in his form.
Edouard Mendy’s arrival at Stamford Bridge in the summer of 2020 pushed Caballero further down the pecking order, but the custodian still managed to make two appearances over the course of the season. He left Chelsea at the end of the season as a UEFA Champions League winner. During his time in England, he had also won the UEFA Europa League, the EFL Cup, and the FA Cup.
