Toward the end of the previous season, Lorenz made six appearances and maintained two clean sheets.
Kenmare, Jack
Kenmare, Jack
Following a brief but fruitful work experience loan in the seventh division of English football, Rio Ferdinand’s eldest son, Lorenz, has signed his first professional contract.
In March, the 18-year-old goalie signed a work-experience contract with Havant and Waterlooville, a team in the Southern League Premier.
To put it briefly, a work experience loan, which often lasts a few weeks or months, enables a young player to obtain invaluable experience playing lower league football.
This time, Ferdinand joined Shaun North’s team for the last two months of the 2024–25 season after Ben Dudzinski, the team’s first-choice goalkeeper, was injured.
Lorenz had a successful start to his senior career after being thrust into the starting lineup for their Southern League Premier match against Marlow FC back in March.
At Oak Tree Road, the 18-year-old left an impression as Ryan Seager’s hat-trick helped the visitors win 3-1. Rio Ferdinand, meanwhile, was spotted watching from the stands.
Lorenz would go on to play six games without a loss and record two clean sheets with Havant and Waterlooville.
Ahead of the 2025–2026 season, the adolescent is one of 13 young players to sign a professional contract with Brighton & Hove Albion, a Premier League team recognized for developing young goalkeepers.
Since then, Brighton’s academy manager Ian Buckman has released information about their most recent hires.
“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,” he said.
“All of them have some sort of prior experience with the under-21s, even though several have played for the main team. We hope to continue working with them and assist their professional development in the years to come.
“Lorenz went from strength to strength as we went unbeaten during his time with the club as he kept two clean sheets in six games,” said a statement from Havant and Waterlooville upon his return to Brighton.
Lorenz agreed to a management deal with the agency New Era Global Sports back in 2023. Rio, his father, works for the corporation as a mentor and ambassador.
“Our oldest is pursuing football on his own path. Signing with @neweraglobalsports is another pleasant experience that was gained via diligence and hard work. Rio posted on Instagram.
“The proper and expert support is necessary because it’s a long road with many ups and downs; welcome to @neweraglobalsports.” I adore you, Lorenz.
xz
