Despite protests from Chelsea supporters, the plan to sign young players ahead of their rivals does not look set to be changing at Stamford Bridge.
Plenty has been made of the fact that plenty of money has been spent by Behdad Eghbali and co on players who will not feature for the first team squad for a number of years.
The Chelsea board will point to Estevao Willian and Andrey Santos as the success stories of this method, with both now regularly contributing under Liam Rosenior.
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There are plenty more individuals in the pipeline too. Geovany Quenda is set to join the club in the summer after his high-profile move.
Another individual who is waiting patiently for his chance is Mike Penders. The Belgian goalkeeper is currently impressing greatly with fellow BlueCo club, Strasbourg.
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Mike Penders handed major boost as Mike Maignan agrees new AC Milan deal
Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen are the current options to play in goal at Stamford Bridge, however there have been strong links recently to the signing of Mike Maignan.
The France international’s contract was set to expire at the end of the season, however Fabrizio Romano has stated that he has now verbally agreed to a new deal which will keep him at AC Milan.
He said: “AC Milan and Mike Maignan reach verbal agreement over new deal until June 2031! Formal steps to follow but deal in place for French GK who was out of contract in June 2026.”
Chelsea were very close to signing Maignan before the Club World Cup, however have put their faith in Sanchez to deliver for now, being rewarded for their loyalty so far.
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Mike Penders the real winner of Mike Maignan’s new contract
The real big winner from this though is Penders, who now has a great chance at nailing the number one jersey in the very near future.
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Chelsea see Penders as an elite talent in a similar bracket to the likes of Estevao, and will not want to leave him waiting for his chance too long.
After reports of interest in Jorgensen’s service, the likely scenario is Sanchez and Penders will be jostling for minutes next season, with the youngster in a great place to earn his place.
Previously working under Rosenior will also play into the youngster’s hands, and his ability on the ball perfectly suits how the new manager wants to play his football.
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