Arsenal midfielder-turned-goalkeeper signs professional contract | OneFootball

Khari Ranson has signed his first professional contract after almost a decade at Arsenal, completing an unlikely journey from midfield to goalkeeper.

Photo via Ranson on Instagram

The 17-year-old joined Arsenal as an under-10 and only moved into goal after volunteering for his grassroots side. “I kind of played almost everywhere,” Ranson said. “I was a left winger, I was a midfielder, I was a centre-back. I can still sometimes play in the midfield as well, but maybe just not at this level.

“I volunteered to go in goal and naturally I just loved it, just jumping around, making saves, helping the team out as well and also the element of using your feet, which obviously comes into play nowadays.”

Ranson saved two penalties on his England debut against Turkey and has already earned a reputation for composure and distribution, citing Manuel Neuer as his role model.

Photo via Ranson on Instagram

“To be honest, I wouldn’t say there’s a secret,” he said of his penalty-saving record. “It’s just reading the striker when you can and obviously sometimes there’s that element of guessing as well.”

He helped Arsenal win the Liam Brady Cup at under-16 level and said signing a professional deal gives him belief. “Per asked me what it means [to sign my first contract], and I said it gives you that extra confidence that the club believes in your attributes, your ability. It also gives you a baseline as well, just to crack on even more, continue your hard work for the rest of the season.”

Ranson hopes this is just the beginning. “I joined Arsenal in under-10s, so this is my eighth year here. There’s going to be hopefully many more years to come.”