Mauricio Pochettino signing could save his Chelsea career at Club World Cup after major development

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A lot of people are dismissing the new Club World Cup, but it could prove to be a very important tournament for Chelsea and their players.

It is thought that Chelsea could earn up to £97m in prize money if they go on to win the whole thing.

That explains why the club are taking the competition so seriously. They have already signed Liam Delap from Ipswich Town to give them a boost heading into their opening game against Los Angeles FC.

Delap, who was at Cobham on Monday despite not needing to report in until Tuesday, will be hoping to start that match. And so will Djordje Petrovic.

• READ MORE: Chelsea considered signing Champions League-winning goalkeeper before making Mike Maignan move

Djordje Petrovic could get chance to prove himself at Club World Cup after Chelsea walk away from Mike Maignan deal

At one stage, it looked like AC Milan star Mike Maignan would be starting in goal for Chelsea at the Club World Cup.

Chelsea were working on signing Maignan but eventually decided to exit talks with Milan after failing to reach an agreement with them over a transfer fee.

Chelsea fans will be disappointed, as Maignan is rated as one of Europe’s top keepers. However, it is good news for Petrovic.

After a fantastic season at Strasbourg, Petrovic may fancy his chances when competing against Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen. Against Maignan, France’s No.1, perhaps not so much.

Ultimately, with Maignan not in the picture, Petrovic could get an opportunity to start at the Club World Cup. And if Petrovic takes it, Chelsea may decide to keep hold of the 25-year-old this summer rather than sell him.

Chelsea pondering Djordje Petrovic sale

In April, it was claimed that either Petrovic or Sanchez will be sold, with Chelsea wanting to keep hold of Jorgensen and Mike Penders

Jorgensen only arrived at the club last summer, while Penders has a big future at 19. Petrovic and Sanchez have been at Stamford Bridge longer, joining in 2023 when Mauricio Pochettino was in the dugout.

They have had their opportunities, but after Chelsea’s failure to get a deal for Maignan over the line, the pair could get more at the Club World Cup.