Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterThe name 'Ferdinand' is already established in Premier League lore - and now the next generation of want their turn.First it was former Newcastle, Tottenham and England striker Les, who scored 149 goals in the competition to put himself 12th on the all-time goalscorers list.Then came his second cousins, Rio and Anton, who both enjoyed long top flight careers, with former Manchester United centre-back Rio Ferdinand ranked at No.1 in FourFourTwo's list of the best Premier League defenders of all timeTate Ferdinand signs professional contract with BrightonNext off the Ferdinand production line are Rio's sons Lorenz and Tate, with the latter having just signed his first professional contract with Premier League side Brighton and Hove Albion.Tate takes after his dad and plays as a defender, trying to protect his brother and U21s teammate, goalkeeper Lorenz, who himself signed a contract just two weeks ago. You may like Will James Trafford be Englands next regular goalkeeper? Its all about timing Ill always be there for him as a friend, and the FA Cup final is another opportunity to shine Joe Hart lifts the lid on his chats with the Manchester City shot-stopper Kieran Trippier on his 'devastating' Newcastle United exit I joined Leeds United to babysit my compatriot Phil Masinga, but I ended up staying there for 10 years Lucas Radebes unlikely path to becoming an Elland Road legend Rio posted on Instagram: "Proud moment with the family, my boy @tateferdinand5 signed his first pro contract @officialbhafc Keep up the hard work."We quite like the fact that Terry Crews, of all people, has replied with three fire emoji.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.Tate spent much of last season playing for the Seagulls' U18s side before being bumped up to the U21s.Brighton youth coach Bjorn Hamberg would not enjoy the timbre of this report, though, saying: "Tate Ferdinand is Tate Ferdinand and he needs to be play his game and have his pathway and career."For us as a team, for the under-18s as a captain, he is a big voice in our dressing room. He is obviously a leader in the back line and playing very well for the moment. I am really pleased for him as well."After coming through the youth ranks at West Ham, Rio became the world's most expensive defender when he moved to Leeds for a then-whopping �18m in 2000.Ferdinand reclaimed that record less than two years later when Manchester United paid �33.3m for his services.He proved to be well worth the money, spending 12 years at the club and helping Sir Alex Ferguson's side to claim six Premier League titles and the 2008 Champions League trophy.TOPICSWest Ham UnitedManchester UnitedBrighton and Hove AlbionSteven ChickenSocial Links NavigationSteven Chicken has been working as a football writer since 2009, taking in stints with Football365 and the Huddersfield Examiner. Steven still covers Huddersfield Town home and away for his own publication,WeAreTerriers.com. Steven is a two-time nominee for Regional Journalist of the Year at the prestigious British Sports Journalism Awards, making the shortlist in 2020 and 2023.
