Grimsby Town Announce Former Chelsea Striker

Grimsby Town have announced the signing of Jude Soonsup-Bell, who joins the Mariners on a one-year deal with an option to extend, subject to international clearance.

Grimsby have been in and amongst the goals in the opening two fixtures of the League Two season, having scored three in both of their league outings.

Now adding further to their striking options, Soonsup-Bell has been confirmed via their official club website.

Who is Jude Soonsup-Bell

A sensation for the Chelsea academy, Soonsup-Bell made the switch to London rivals Tottenham Hotspur in 2023 and was deemed an exciting prospect for the North London outfit.

His impressive goal tally at U-21s level attracted a plethora of loan interest in January 2024, with various Championship and League One clubs supposedly in the running for the Spurs prospect.

Eventually, the forward did depart Tottenham for a move overseas, joining LaLiga 2 side Córdoba. 

A move to Spain did not quite work out for Soonsup-Bell, whose departure was recently announced by the Spanish club, with his contract terminated early, having originally signed a two-year deal with the club.

Soonsup-Bell has also represented England at various youth levels throughout his time with Chelsea and Tottenham.

Soonsup-Bell to Grimsby Town

Now in Grimsby’s black and white stripes, the striker will add competition to captain Danny Rose and Jaze Kabia, who has been an excellent addition for the Mariners thus far, having scored in both of their league outings.

While making an immediate impression on the Mariners’ starting lineup may be a tall order given the forwards already with the club, the striker is a needed addition.

Depth was a huge issue for David Artell’s men last season, having to ask a great deal from the likes of Rose and Svanthorsson amid various injury issues amongst the squad.

The former Chelsea man offers a different option to Artell, offering flexibility within his tactical set-ups and depth for the crunch periods of the campaign.

And at the age of 21, the forward is hugely befitting of the recent transfer model at Grimsby, which appears to have a large onus on ‘diamonds in the rough’ and potential future sell-on-value.

Under Artell, who is hugely renowned for his development of players, a return to England with the Mariners could be hugely beneficial for the forward’s career trajectory, which has stalled in recent years.

What has been said?

Having captured his man, Artell expressed his excitement to work with the prospect frontman:

“I’m really pleased that Jude has chosen to join the team. He’s an exciting talent with a great pedigree and a player we have been watching for some time.

“He will add great competition to our forward line this season and we are really excited to work with him.”