Filip Jorgensen Completes Chelsea Exit To Join RC Strasbourg On Loan | OneFootball

Chelsea are back in England after their pre-season tour, which Jorgensen missed. Video Credit: Absolute Chelsea

Chelsea goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen has joined Ligue 1 side RC Strasbourg on a season-long loan.

The Blues confirmed Jorgensen’s loan switch on Tuesday, after missing out on Chelsea’s pre-season to complete the move.

Jorgensen initially made Xabi Alonso’s squad for the pre-season tour in Australia and Asia, but having travelled to Sydney, he returned to London soon after to consider several options for his next move.

He had already flown back to the UK before Chelsea beat Western Sydney Wanderers 6-4 in their first friendly of the tour on July 28.

The Denmark international is understood to have informed Chelsea of his desire to leave in search of regular football back in January and again, early this summer.

Chelsea were understandably reluctant to let go of their second-choice goalkeeper mid-season in January, especially amid their hectic schedule at the time.

Jorgensen spent the last two seasons as a backup to Robert Sanchez and made just 12 total appearances for Chelsea across all competitions last season.

The arrival of the younger Mike Penders likely only helped convince Jorgensen, who remains under contract at Stamford Bridge until 2031, to push for an exit.

Penders’ Chelsea return has left a void at Strasbourg, where he was the regular goalkeeper last season, so it is easy to see why Jorgensen would be interested in a loan to the French club.

Alonso’s goalkeeper options for the 2026/27 season

As it stands, Sanchez and Penders are expected to compete for the number one spot at Chelsea.

Alonso already clarified that he is happy with his goalkeeper options, praising Penders’ loan spell at Strasbourg and Sanchez’s valuable Premier League experience.

Chelsea also have Teddy Sharman-Lowe, Ted Curd, and Gabriel Slonina to provide additional cover in goal.

While this by no means rules out a summer goalkeeper signing if an opportunity arises or due to injuries, it seems very unlikely.

Sanchez likely remains ahead of Penders in the goalkeeper pecking order at the moment.

The Spaniard has had a full pre-season, whereas Penders represented Belgium in the 2026 World Cup, giving him a head start in adjusting to Alonso’s system.

His familiarity with the Premier League arguably makes him the safer bet for the start of the season as well.

On the other hand, Penders arguably has the higher ceiling and is a long-term asset to the club.

Chelsea will have another pre-season friendly against La Liga side Real Sociedad at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, August 15.

Their season officially starts in the season-opening game against Fulham at Craven Cottage on August 24.