Ex-Crystal Palace kid is Motherwell's first summer signing

Motherwell boss Stuart Kettlewell says the club beat others to the signature of defender Kofi Balmer.

The 23-year-old comes in as the Fir Park club’s first summer signing, having left Crystal Palace’s Academy.

Northern-Irish centre-back Balmer joined the Eagles from Larne in summer 2022, but was on loan at Port Vale and AFC Wimbledon last season.

Balmer, who officially joins Motherwell on July 1, has quite a bit of experience, having played in the Europa Conference League and made the bench for Palace on a few occasions.

He has also played for Northern Ireland at under-19 and under-21 level, and has been named in their senior squad.

Boss Kettlewell told Motherwell’s website: “It’s great to get Kofi on board. There was a lot of interest from other clubs who were looking to sign him, so it tells you we’ve got a good player on our hands.

“He has played lots of football for a boy his age but we still think with our coaching, we can get more out of Kofi and make him even better.

“I look forward to working with him during pre-season and seeing how he gets on.”

Balmer said: “I’m so happy to be here. I’ve heard some great things about the club and the fan base. I can’t wait to meet everyone and get stuck in to work.

“I feel I can bring a lot to the team and want to make a real impact in my time here.”

Motherwell have been linked with a move for Serbian striker Filip Stuparevic, 23, who was last with Domzale in the Slovenian PrvaLiga. Perth Glory defender John Koutrombis could also join.

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