Rio Ferdinand's son, 18, joins Premier League nepo-baby club after signing first professional contract with high-flying outfit
Share this @internewscast.com

Rio Ferdinand’s son Lorenz has become the latest in the expanding lineup of nepo-babies to secure spots in Premier League teams, having graduated from Brighton’s youth academy.

The 18-year-old, the oldest offspring of the Manchester United legend and his late first wife Rebecca Ellison, initially joined the Seagulls as part of their under-13 group.

Ferdinand, who plays as a goalkeeper, has quickly risen through the ranks and featured in his first Premier League 2 game this year.  

During his six unbeaten appearances, Lorenz kept two clean sheets in an impressive showing for the Southern League outfit.  

Lorenz is among 13 young talents who have signed professional contracts with Fabian Hurzeler’s team, with Harry Howell and Freddie Simmonds being some of those who have already had the opportunity to train with the first team.

Rio Ferdinand's son has signed his first professional contract with Brighton and Hove Albion

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

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

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 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. 

Lorenz is one of a number of sons of ex-Premier League stars to hold aspirations of emulating their fathers. Kai Rooney, son of Wayne, is earning rave reviews at Man United

Lorenz is one of a number of sons of ex-Premier League stars to hold aspirations of emulating their fathers. Kai Rooney, son of Wayne, is earning rave reviews at Man United

Jayden Danns, son of former Liverpool star Neil, made his first team debut this season

Jayden Danns, son of former Liverpool star Neil, made his first team debut this season 

Emile Heskey's sons Reigan (right) and Jaden (left) have also caught the eye at Man City

Emile Heskey’s sons Reigan (right) and Jaden (left) have also caught the eye at Man City

Ferdinand and his wife Kate Wright travelled to Marlow to watch his son make his senior debut

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.  

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Yoane Wissa aims to exit Brentford in a historic move to another Premier League team

Yoane Wissa is pushing to leave Brentford this summer, talkSPORT understands. The…

Meet Diego Leon: At 18, This Youngest of Nine from Rural Paraguay’s Humble Beginnings Joins Manchester United as a £7M Rising Star

Manchester United’s search to bolster their options at left back has taken…

AC Milan Unveils Striking 2025/26 Away Kit Featuring Classic Devil Logo

AC Milan has officially revealed their away kit for the 2025/26 season,…

Shannon Sharpe’s Sexual Assault Accuser Left Without Legal Representation at Initial $50M Lawsuit Hearing

The initial hearing for Shannon Sharpe’s sexual assault lawsuit in Nevada faced…

England U-21s triumphantly celebrate their European Championship victory

England’s Under-21 team celebrated in grand fashion after successfully defending their European…

Barcelona Reveals Impressive New Home Kit for Camp Nou Comeback

Barcelona are preparing to make their much-anticipated return to the legendary –…

Inside Oleksandr Usyk’s Training Strategy: The Secret Tools and Techniques He Uses to Stay Ahead of the Game for the Daniel Dubois Rematch

It’s easy to wonder how he is still managing it. How, at…

Retired Footballer Completes 37-Hour Fitness Challenge to Honor Late Teammate Joe Thompson, Dies at 36

As the self-doubt started to bleed into Simon Ramsden’s thoughts, his legs…

Transfer Update: Bhoys Profit from Kuhn’s Departure as Winger Prepares for Como Transfer

CELTIC winger Nicolas Kuhn is on the brink of confirming his Parkhead…

Joao Pedro Geared Up for Clash: Chelsea Faces Fluminense in Club World Cup Semi-Final with Iconic Boxing Announcer in Attendance

It is believed FIFA have hired Michael Buffer — the legendary ring…

Mark Clattenburg Demands Tougher Penalties for Divers in New Mail Podcast, Criticizes Premier League Stars for ‘Cheating’

Former referee Mark Clattenburg has called for more players to be sent…