Journalist reveals “big reason” Chelsea won’t sign a new goalkeeper “any time soon” | OneFootball

Mike Penders is a big reason Chelsea didn’t sign a goalkeeper in the summer, and won’t anytime soon according to journalist Kieran Gill.

Chelsea had a busy summer in which they signed some exciting players, but supporters really wanted to see a new keeper.

Instead, the Blues opted to remain with their current options of Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen, despite having the opportunity to sign Mike Maignan from AC Milan.

Mike Penders a big reason Chelsea didn’t sign a goalkeeper

It’s been reported the Blues could look to go back in for Maignan in January, but how likely that is remains to be seen.

Chelsea also have 20-year-old Penders on their books, who they paid Belgian side Genk €20m for in 2024, with the youngster currently on loan at Strasbourg.

Those at Chelsea are said to believe Penders is a special talent, and there have been comparisons made to Thibaut Courtois.

Penders has made an impressive start at Strasbourg.

Penders has impressed so far at Strasbourg, and has kept four clean sheets in nine appearances in all competitions, with Chelsea’s sister club sitting third in Ligue 1.

This is the Belgian’s first season in one of Europe’s top five leagues, and it will be interesting to see how he develops, but Gill has reported Penders is a big reason Chelsea didn’t sign a new keeper.

He took to X.com and said:

“Mike Penders will have had two years of gaining experience elsewhere by next summer.

“Thibaut Courtois spent three years away on loan after signing for Chelsea from Genk.

“#CFC will evaluate goalkeeping situation at end of season. Told Penders is big reason why there wasn’t a GK signing in summer and won’t be one any time soon.”

Filip Jorgensen attracted interest from big clubs

Chelsea seem to view Penders as their long term number one, but it’s crucial they make the right decision when deciding when he’s ready to make the step-up.

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The Blues will have to sell one of Sanchez or Jorgensen when Chelsea opt to promote Penders, and Jorgensen reportedly had interest in the summer.

A number of clubs in Europe and the Premier League were said to be interested in his services, and it’ll be interesting to see if they return in January or next summer.