Chelsea are expected to orchestrate a summer overhaul in the transfer market once again, and a priority that requires attention is in goal. Mike Penders is due to return, but perhaps not for long.
Robert Sanchez has not impressed, or relieved himself of the error-prone tag his performances have earned since Liam Rosenior arrived. Filip Jorgensen came in, but his mistakes against PSG were poor.
Jorgensen has since remained injured. This summer, Strasbourg star Mike Penders will return from his loan spell with the Ligue 1 side, where he played under Liam Rosenior during the first half of 25-26.
What would you do with Robert Sanchez and Mike Penders?
Robert Sanchez and Mike Penders save percentage
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Rosenior is a big fan of Penders, which leaves the Blues with three goalkeepers vying to be first choice, but for some, none of the trio are good enough. If Chelsea look to the market, Robin Roefs is an option.
Renowned for his ability on the ball, Penders has made waves in Ligue 1. Bought by Chelsea for £17m in the summer of 2024, Penders did not play during 2024-25 before going on loan to Strasbourg.
He has starred in France. The Belgian goalkeeper is considered one of the best in French football as things stand, and he will be right in the mix to start 2026-27 as Chelsea’s first-choice stopper under Rosenior.
Robin Roefs of Sunderland FC plays during the Premier League match between Sunderland and Burnley
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But Chelsea are looking at the market. Brighton’s Bart Verbruggen is a target for Chelsea, as is Roma’s Mile Svilar. Roefs is also being considered at Stamford Bridge, with Sunderland requesting a £50m fee.
According to French outlet Jeunes Footeux, Chelsea could use Penders in a deal to lure Roefs south from Wearside. Such a move would allow Sunderland to replace Roefs with an outstanding talent instantly.
Mike Penders targeted by other Premier League clubs
Penders has clocked up 11 clean sheets in 41 games for a Strasbourg side fine-tuned to attack rather than defend, and score more than the opponent, instead of looking to keep clean sheets, under Gary O’Neil.
Who is Chelsea’s best goalkeeper?
Tottenham and Newcastle have been linked with Penders, but Chelsea have rejected such moves for the young goalkeeper. This summer, then, promises to be an intriguing window for the out-on-loan ace.
The report from Jeunes Footeux also suggests that Strasbourg’s hierarchy are keeping a close eye on developments regarding Penders, with the Ligue 1 outfit very interested in securing a second loan spell.
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