Rio Ferdinand’s son Lorenz, 17, signs with New Era, joining his dad and uncle Anton at sports agency – as stepmum Kate beams and declares that she is ‘forever proud’ of the Brighton keeper

Rio Ferdinand‘s eldest son Lorenz has signed with New Era Global Sports Management, joining his dad and uncle Anton at the agency. 

The 17-year-old signed with Brighton as their Under-18s goalkeeper in 2022 and has made 18 appearances for the Seagulls’ junior squad this term. 

New Era’s current Premier League clients include Everton defenders Ben Godfrey and Michael Keane as well as Jacob Murphy.

In addition to current stars, the agency also represents the interests of Ferdinand, Mick McCarthy, Harry Redknapp and Robbie Savage. 

Lorenz announced the news with an Instagram post on Thursday, which included images of himself with company chiefs, as well as a snap alongside his father and stepmother Kate. 

The 17-year-old joined Brighton’s Under-18s in 2022 and has made 18 appearances this term

The teen has ambitions of being fourth member of the Ferdinand family to play professionally

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His uncle Anton was among the host of people to congratulate the teenager, writing: ‘Welcome to the work family.’

The former West Ham and QPR defender is listed as an ambassador and mentor on the business’ website – the same position held in the organisation as Rio. 

New Era was founded in 2007 by ex-professional footballers Jamie Moralee and Peter Smith. 

Kate Ferdinand was also quick to praise the rising star, commenting: ‘Forever proud.’

The former TOWIE star, 32, revealed last year that Lorenz had flown the nest and was living with another family following his signing with the Seagulls. 

She and Rio admitted it was very emotional when the teenager moved out but they insisted they were proud as the family he was resident with praised his manners. 

Kate said on her podcast Blended: ‘I was devastated when he moved out. It’s a real big thing, I was emotional. I miss him so much. We still see him twice a week but it’s taken a lot of getting used to.’ 

Former West Ham and QPR defender and Lorenz’s uncle Anton was among the names to congratulate the teenage on the deal 

The couple welcomed the birth of their first child, Shae, last July. In addition, Rio is father to Tate ,15, and Tia, 12, while Kate is also mother to three-year-old son Cree

Lorenz has a tough ask to replicate the achievements of his father in the game, which include – among other things – winning six Premier League titles and the Champions League

Lorenz has the unenviable task of following his father’s stellar playing career, which included six Premier League titles, three League Cups, the Champions League and 81 caps for England. 

As well as Lorenz, Rio has son Tate, 15, and daughter Tia, 12, from his marriage with his late wife Rebecca. 

Rebecca Ellison tragically died from breast cancer in 2015 aged 35.

Kate is also mother to three-year-old son Cree and daughter Shae, whom she and Rio welcomed last July.