Chelsea goalkeeper Merrick joins Hartlepool United on season-long loan

Chelsea goalkeeper Max Merrick is set to join National League side Hartlepool United on a season-long loan for the 2026/27 campaign. The move represents the 20-year-old's third temporary spell away from Chelsea's Cobham training base.

Merrick, an England Under-20 international, has been a regular fixture in Chelsea's Under-21 setup, making appearances in Premier League 2, the Premier League International Cup and the EFL Vertu Trophy. He has also been included in the senior matchday squad on 11 occasions, sitting on the bench seven times in the Champions League last season and travelling with the squad for the Premier League draw at Manchester City in January.

The goalkeeper made his senior debut on loan at Hanwell Town during the 2022/23 season. In January 2025, he moved to National League South side Hampton & Richmond for his second loan spell.

His performances across those loan moves prompted Chelsea to hand him a new contract in March, extending his stay at the club until 2028. Merrick joined Chelsea at Under-13 level.