Kofi Balmer feels ‘amazing’ as Crystal Palace switch is confirmed. The defender from Larne, and Crystal Palace have reached a three-year agreement with Crsytal Palace FC.
After weeks of speculation, Kofi Balmer’s move from Larne to Premier League club Crystal Palace has been finalised.
The former Ballymena United centre-back will join the London club’s Under 21 squad, who play in Premier League 2.
The Northern Ireland Under 21 international said: “It’s surreal. I feel amazing. It’s every boy’s dream to play football professionally, but to come to a club like Crystal Palace with all the top quality facilities – I couldn’t have asked for anything better.”
Who Is Kofi Balmer? Career Explored
Kofi Balmer is a Northern Irelander professional football player. He plays on the Right foot as Defender – Centre-Back. Kofi Balmer was born on September 19, 2000 in Newtownabbey.
In the 2016–17 season, Kofi Balmer made his Irish League debut for Ballymena at 16. In 2019, he assisted the Sky Blues to an unexpected second-place finish in the standings.
The Premier League team has been keeping an eye on the 21-year-old this summer, and Palace has now secured their target.
The London club and Patrick Vieira’s team recently reached an agreement on a cost for the Northern Ireland youth international. According to Sky Sports, Balmer has finalized the arrangements.
The 21-year-old made 40 appearances for Larne last season, helping the Invermen qualify for the Europa Conference League. He made his Irish League debut for Ballymena in 2017, at the age of 16.
Crystal Palace Academy Director Gary Issott said: “We are delighted to welcome Kofi to the club.
Balmer left Ballymena United in July 2021 to join Larne, where he had a successful season and contributed to their Co Antrim Shield victory. The center-half has appeared in 11 games for Northern Ireland’s Under-21 team.
Balmer, who has led his nation at the Under-21 level, played 45 times for Larne and scored seven goals. During their successful 2021/22 season, which saw them earn a Europa Conference League play-off position, he made over 40 appearances across all competitions.
He spent a lot of time on the field with Ballymena United before joining Larne. After making his team debut in the 2016–17 campaign at 16, he established himself as a mainstay and helped them finish second in the 2018–19 Northern Ireland Premiership.
Balmer has also made 17 appearances for Northern Ireland’s Under-19 and Under-21 teams at the international level. Despite his youth, he has played over 130 times in the Irish League.
Who Are Kofi Balmer Parents?
Jimmy Balmer and Karim had a son named Kofi. Just 30 hours before the Inver Reds and Linfield’s championship game that night, his father passed away in the early morning of 2022 and was laid to rest.
When Larne won the County Antrim Shield at Seaview, Kofi Balmer thought his late father would have been “extremely proud” of him.
The Blues were defeated 1-0 by Tiernan Lynch’s team in North Belfast on an emotional night for Kofi, who had a late cameo. Tomas Cosgrove’s close-range header was the game-winning goal.
With the help of his close-knit family, Balmer later reflected that his father would have been the first to advise him to put his mourning aside to look for silverware.
Balmer, who transferred from Ballymena United to Larne in the summer, was accompanied at a crowded Seaview by his mother Karin, brother Royce, and many other family members.
Tiernan Lynch, the manager of Larne, praised the young Balmer for joining his team just days after losing his father.
Who Is Kofi Balmer Girlfriend In 2022?
Kofi Balmer has not revealed anything about his dating status. Thus, it is unknown if he has a girlfriend.
Moreover, we scanned through his Instagram; we couldn’t find any trace of someone special in his life. You can find him on Instagram under the username @kofi.balmer. He mostly posts pictures of his football games and occasionally gives a glimpse of his personal life.
The athlete has gained more than 3k followers there at the time of writing this article. As he has signed a deal with the famous club Crystal Palace, he will probably gain more followers in the coming future.
Due to his hectic schedule, Kofi may not be interested in dating at this moment in his life and would want to spend that time on his career.
What Is Kofi Balmer Salary At Crystal Palace?
Kofi Balmer’s financial details have not been disclosed yet. However, he must earn a decent amount by joining such a successful club.
Crystal Palace FC’s (Premier League) total gross salaries for the 2022–2023 season are £69,360,000, or £1,333,846 a week, according to Capology.
Wilfried Zaha (Left Wing) is the highest-paid player at Crystal Palace FC, earning a gross annual salary of £6,760,000, or £130,000 per week. The 29-year-old Wilfried Zaha still has one year and £6,760,000 left with Crystal Palace.
Larne manager Tiernan Lynch paid tribute to Balmer: “We’re obviously disappointed to lose a player of Kofi’s quality, but this is a move he has very much earned.
“He is a quality young player and someone who has demonstrated that throughout his time at the club. He has been an important part of our defence during his Larne career, and has also popped up with some important goals.
“Kofi came into work every day with a determination to improve his game and has got his reward with this next step on his journey. He has a great attitude and that will serve him well for the rest of his career.
“Already having a couple of hundred games in senior football is important and will also serve him in good stead.
“It is also a reminder of how much full-time football can benefit a player and help them progress, preparing Kofi for a move to a Premier League club in England.
“We wish Kofi all the very best at Crystal Palace and will obviously be watching on as his career continues to progress.”