Larne FC academy player Kofi Balmer has signed a contract with Crystal Palace.
The 21-year-old defender, formerly of Larne in the NIFL Premiership, has joined the squad and has now signed a contract.
He played over 40 games in all competitions during their productive 2021/22 season which helped them secure a place in the Europa Conference League play-offs. Before joining Larne, Balmer spent a lot of time with Ballymena United.
At 16, he made his team debut in the 2016-17 season. Since then he has become a mainstay, contributing to their runners-up finish in the 2018-19 Northern Ireland Premiership. Balmer also made 17 appearances at international level for the Northern Ireland Under-19 and Under-21 teams.
These achievements were key for Crystal Palace to sign the player. The former Larne player described his current emotions as overwhelming and bizarre.
Every boy aspires to play professional football, but he could only dream of joining a team like Crystal Palace with the best equipment. Academy director Gary Issott said of the newcomer: “We are delighted to welcome Kofi to the club.”
He already has a ton of experience playing for Larne and Ballymena in Northern Ireland and matches worthy of young smarts. We want motivated players at the club, the manager continued.
While acknowledging that losing a player of Kofi’s ability is disappointing for the team, Kofi more than deserved the move, according to Larne manager Tiernan Lynch.
He started his career at a young age and was able to land a contract with Crystal Palace FC, one of the best teams in the Premier League.
A youngster from Northern Ireland is set to achieve his Premier League aspirations very soon by donning a Crystal Palace shirt. Every football player dreams of one day playing in the top league.
