Last summer, Chelsea signed Mike Penders from KRC Genk and then let him spend the recently concluded season at the Belgian club.
On May 26th, the goalkeeper said he’ll have clarity on his future after the Club World Cup. A day later, Genk technical director Dimitri De Condé insisted his side have to be patient to agree a loan deal with Chelsea.
The 19-year-old is part of Enzo Maresca’s squad at the ongoing Club World Cup but is yet to make his debut for Chelsea.
On Friday, Het Laatste Nieuws reported the Blues have informed Genk that he won’t be returning to the club this summer. This has left the Jupiler Pro League side disappointed, and they now have to find a replacement for the youngster.
Saturday’s edition of Het Belang van Limburg echoes HLN’s claim and then provides a few more updates.
The Belgium U21 international is unlikely to get regular minutes at Stamford Bridge next season. Therefore, the west London club could send him out on loan, but it won’t be to Genk.
Genk manager Thorsten Fink has expressed his disappointment after Chelsea decide not to let Penders return on loan.
“I’m also convinced that the club will find a worthy replacement. But of course, we regret that a child of the club like Mike won’t be here for another season,” he said.
“He could normally have played Europa League here, but if Chelsea decide otherwise, we will have to live with that. I wish Mike all the best.”