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Chelsea have reportedly left Serbian goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic out of their squad for the FIFA Club World Cup this week. The Blues are considering the future of the 25-year-old, who spent the 2024-25 season on loan at Ligue 1 outfit Strasbourg.
Matt Law reports that Enzo Maresca's side have decided against taking their loanees, with the exception of Andrey Santos, to the Club World Cup. This decision has meant that Petrovic misses out on the competition, which will take place in the USA. The Blues are treating the competition as a continuation of the 2024-25 season and expect Petrovic to resume pre-season training in July.
Djordje Petrovic burst onto the scene during the 2023-24 season when Mauricio Pochettino trusted him to play in goal for Chelsea. Maresca did not afford him the same trust, sending him out on loan to Strasbourg, where he earned his stripes as one of the best in France.
Chelsea will prosecute the Club World Cup with Robert Sanchez, Filip Jorgensen, and highly-rated 19-year-old Mike Penders battling for a shirt. The teenage goalkeeper may head out on loan after the competition, with no definitive decision having been reached over his future.
Maresca's side have already sold Marcus Bettinelli to Manchester City and released Lucas Bergstrom and Eddie Beach as they look to cut down their goalkeeper contingent. They will look to sell one of Petrovic or Sanchez if both are still at the club by July, with Jorgensen or Penders set to be second-choice for games.
Djordje Petrovic was voted as the Player of the Season for Strasbourg after impressing on loan and could return there permanently. His performances during the season will ensure that the Serbian is not short of suitors this summer.
Chelsea reach decision on future of teenage sensation - Reports
Chelsea have reached a decision to send teenage star Kendry Paez on loan to sister club Strasbourg this summer, as per reports. The Ecuador international will spend the 2025-26 season in France and will join Liam Rosenior's side for pre-season.
The Athletic reports that Chelsea have decided against taking Paez, 18, along with their team for the Club World Cup this summer. The youngster completed his move to Stamford Bridge this summer, having been signed in a deal that could reach £20 million as a 16-year-old.
Kendry Paez spent the second half of the 2024-25 season training with Strasbourg and is familiar with the squad and manager. The talented midfielder will now compete in the UEFA Europa Conference League with the Ligue 1 side, and will join to gain experience.
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Sulayman Salahudeen
Sulayman is a European and international football writer at Sportskeeda covering news and transfer rumors. He has an overall experience of 4 years, having previously worked at the likes of SportsRation and ExtraTimeTalk. His tryst with the sport happened at a young age, playing it at home and watching the 2002 FIFA World Cup.
Sulayman has a good feel for the game, which is reflected in his descriptive articles. He double checks information via multiple sources for accuracy, and only uses top-tier platforms like Transfermarkt and Opta for statistical information. His experience and exploits in the industry have led Sulayman to cover the Nigerian Professional League for three years along with games involving the Nigerian national team. He has also worked in F1, joining hands with industry veterans to provide a smooth viewing experience in Nigeria.
Sulayman hails Lionel Messi as the one true GOAT, and his brace in Argentina’s 2005 U20 FIFA World Cup final win over Nigeria left a lasting impact on him. He also supports Chelsea at club level, having followed their dominance under Jose Mourinho. Sulayman also follows other leagues with Nigerian players like Eredivisie, Saudi Pro League, Turkish Super Lig, and more. When not writing, he enjoys cooking and eating.
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