The goalkeeping situation at Chelsea is set to take an interesting turn in the summer, and it has emerged that the Blues have already rejected enquiries for goalkeeper Mike Penders.
On Wednesday night, Liam Rosenior made the bold decision to drop Robert Sanchez after his poor showing against Arsenal at The Emirates on Sunday. He opted to bring Filip Jorgensen into the side.
It worked, with Chelsea cruising to a 4-1 win over Aston Villa and keeping their hopes of Champions League qualification alive. But come the summer, the goalkeeping situation is set for a reshuffle.
Is Mike Penders the ultimate proof that the Strasbourg partnership actually works?👀
Mike Penders and Robert Sanchez at Chelsea
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Largely because, with the return of Mike Penders, Chelsea will have three goalkeepers more than able to start for Liam Rosenior’s side. But Penders’ form on loan at Strasbourg has caught the eye in England.
Chelsea reject Mike Penders enquiries from Premier League rivals
Still only 20, Penders was bought by Chelsea from Genk in the summer of 2024. He returned to Genk on loan for a season before going back to Strasbourg this season. He’s been impressing in French football.
Mike Penders of Strasbourg
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Largely considered one of Ligue 1’s best goalkeepers, Penders worked under Liam Rosenior during the first half of the season. This season, he’s conceded just 41 goals in 35 games in an attack-focused side.
Nine clean sheets have followed for the 6ft 7in goalkeeper. Penders is contracted to Chelsea until the summer of 2032, but Premier League rivals Tottenham, Villa, Newcastle, Brighton and Forest have asked.
That is according to TeamTalk, who report that Chelsea have knocked back all enquiries for their £17m signing. Chelsea’s hierarchy have recognised that Penders will play a key role in the club’s future plans.
What Liam Rosenior thinks about Mike Penders at Chelsea…
Following Rosenior’s appointment as Chelsea manager, it was claimed that Rosenior loves the Belgian goalkeeper. Penders is renowned for his ability to almost play as if he is Manuel Neuer in disguise.
What would you do with Robert Sanchez and Mike Penders?
Robert Sanchez and Mike Penders save percentage
Credit: Andrew Kearns/CameraSport/Valentine CHAPUIS/AFP via Getty Images
With Rosenior in charge and Chelsea’s goalkeeping situation in disarray at the moment, there is real scope for Penders to be integrated into the first team this summer. Especially, with Sanchez dropped.
If Sanchez enters the summer as a no.2, he might be a casualty with Jorgensen highly rated, too. What Chelsea fans can take from this is that Penders won’t be sold and will be given a chance at Chelsea.
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