On Saturday, Chelsea confirmed that goalkeeper Max Merrick is set to join Hartlepool United on a season-long loan for the 2026/27 campaign. The National League team will host the keeper as he continues his development.
Merrick started his tenure with the west London outfit as an Under-13 player. He has since established himself as a regular starter for the Chelsea Under-21 squad, gaining experience in the Premier League 2, the EFL Vertu Trophy, and the Premier League International Cup.
The England Under-20 international has also been called up to the senior matchday squad 11 times. This transition marks Merrick’s third loan stint away from Cobham. He previously played for Hanwell Town during the 2022/23 season, followed by a loan spell at Hampton & Richmond in 2025.
