Xabi Alonso will have to make a lot of difficult decisions this summer as he looks to lead Chelsea back to winning ways.
07:00, 12 Jun 2026
Kylian Mbappe centre-forward of Real Madrid and France is replaced and greets to Xabi Alonso head coach of Real Madrid during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Levante UD and Real Madrid CF at Ciutat de Valencia on September 23, 2025 in Valencia, Spain
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Xabi Alonso has some big calls to make this summer(Image: Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Mike Penders has told Xabi Alonso that he's ready to rival Robert Sanchez for minutes between the sticks. The 20-year-old goalkeeper, whom Chelsea signed from Genk for £17m in August 2024, wants to make a good impression at the World Cup before he reports for pre-season training.
Penders certainly caught the eye while out on loan at Strasbourg last term, establishing himself as one of the most promising young shot-stoppers in Europe. The Belgian, who's yet to make his senior debut on the international stage, started every game but one in Ligue 1, keeping eight clean sheets.
He also helped Strasbourg, also owned by BlueCo, reach the semi-finals of the UEFA Conference League. Penders played a key role in the second leg of the quarter-final, pulling off a handful of top saves to keep Gary O'Neil's side in the tie.
The Chelsea goalkeeper, who still has six years left on his contract at Stamford Bridge, earned a place in Roberto Martinez's squad thanks to his impressive performances. Speaking to Dutch outlet Voetbalkrant, Penders reflected on the call-up.
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As quoted by Sport Witness, he said: "Did I know beforehand? No, not at all. When the national coach called out my name, I did cheer for a moment. My family at home was also incredibly happy; we called each other immediately.
"Because the competition from fellow goalkeepers was really tough. They all had an incredible season; it certainly won’t have been easy for the coach to make the decision."
Mike Penders
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Chelsea have big plans for Mike Penders(Image: Emilian Baldow/Icon Sport)
Shortly after the World Cup, Penders will begin pre-season with Chelsea. Last year, worked closely with Enzo Maresca at the Club World Cup, but this summer, he'll be reporting to Xabi Alonso.
When quizzed on his future, Penders said: "I am starting pre-season at Chelsea and will try to prove myself in training. Hopefully, I stay injury-free and can prove myself.
"Anything is possible, but I am starting at Chelsea and will do my utmost to achieve my goal. Am I ready for it? Definitely, but first I want to focus entirely on this World Cup. After that, we’ll see."
football.london understands that the Blues will assess their options between the sticks later this summer. Senior figures at Stamford Bridge believe Penders has the potential to become the long-term number one.
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But, until Alonso gets the chance to take a closer look at the Belgian, as well as Robert Sanchez, it remains to be seen who will be number one next season. In the meantime, Penders hopes to showcase his best self at the World Cup.
Belgium will get the ball rolling on Monday night when they face Egypt at the Seattle Stadium.
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