Xabi Alonso is already facing many crucial decisions ahead of becoming Chelsea manager on July 1 and one of those is the identity of his no.1 goalkeeper. Mike Penders could be the man.
One of Chelsea’s main problems throughout 2025-26 came from the man standing between the sticks. Robert Sanchez made a catalogue of errors and on the rare occasion Filip Jorgensen was fit, he did too.
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
The defeat to PSG in Paris proved to be the start of Liam Rosenior’s downfall after a decent start at the helm. Now, with the season drawing to a close, Alonso will be tasked with picking Chelsea’s goalkeeper.
Currently, that is Sanchez. Saudi Pro League sides are considering Sanchez, who is likely to pursue an exit if he is not no.1. Jorgensen has told Chelsea he wants to go, with Brendan Rodgers’ Al-Qadsiyah a suitor.
Mike Penders named Europa Conference League’s best player
With Sanchez and Jorgensen potentially leaving the club, Alonso knows he will need to bring in a new goalkeeper. But does he bring Mike Penders in as first-choice goalkeeper, or Chelsea’s second choice?
FBL-EUR-C4-STRASBOURG-RAYO VALLECANO
Photo by SEBASTIEN BOZON / AFP via Getty Images
Alonso is yet to make a decision on Penders, but if the latest announcement is anything to go by, it might influence his decision. Renowned stats site SofaScore picked their Conference League Player of 2025-26.
It comes after Crystal Palace beat Rayo Vallecano on Wednesday night. But Penders, who reached the semi-finals with Strasbourg, was voted the tournament’s best player with an average rating of 7.5.
What does Mike Penders think about returning to Chelsea?
Chelsea announced the signing of Penders towards the end of the summer window in 2024. He stayed at Genk for another year, before featuring on Chelsea’s bench in the Club World Cup final against PSG.
Who is Chelsea’s best goalkeeper?
He then went on loan to Strasbourg for the 2025-26 season, impressing under Liam Rosenior and drawing comparisons with Manuel Neuer thanks to his ability on the ball and contributing to the build-up play.
Now, Penders is set to return to Chelsea and reports say Penders is confident he can become Chelsea’s next no.1. Alonso is unlikely to put all his eggs in one basket however, until watching Penders closely.
Indeed, Chelsea are said to have a six-man shortlist of goalkeepers ahead of the summer, which includes Robin Roefs, Bart Verbruggen and Jordan Pickford. But the latest announcement may convince Alonso.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox