OFFICIAL: Chelsea complete important loan which clears up situation in problem position | OneFootball

We’re into a busy period for Chelsea in the transfer market, and this Monday has brought another done deal.

It’s an outgoing loan, and an interesting one at that.

Chelsea fast track Penders on Petrovic trajectory

Djordje Petrovic playing in goal for Strasbourg.

Chelsea are still a bit of a mess in their goalkeeping situation, with a number one nobody trusts and a couple of alternatives who nobody is convinced will end up being much better. The Blues made things a little clearer by selling Djordje Petrovic to Bournemouth earlier this month, and have now sent Mike Penders to Strasbourg, where Petrovic excelled on loan last year.

Everyone is hoping that Penders, by far the most highly rated keeper on our books in terms of potential, can have similar success to the Serb at our sister club.

Petrovic went there after a few years of playing senior football, including half a season as Chelsea’s first choice. Penders doesn’t have nearly that experience. The 19 year old only broke into the Genk team towards the end of last season, ending up with 21 starts in the league.

Chelsea gamble on Penders taking big step up

Ligue 1 is a big step up for him from there, but there have clearly been some assurances from manager Liam Rosenior that Penders will be his first choice for the season to come.

There is some risk given his lack of experience, but it shows just how much faith there is in Penders’ ability. We’re really excited to see how he gets on. It’s going to be a potentially difficult year for the Alsatian team. It will be almost impossible to match last year’s success, especially given they’ve lost key players like Petrovic, Andrey Santos and Habib Diarra.

Still, we’re sending them some good reinforcements, and if Penders finds his feet quickly he should be a major asset for them.