Mike Penders is set to return to Chelsea this summer after his participation with Belgium’s National Team at the World Cup, but Asmir Begovic thinks the Blues are about to make a big mistake.
The goalkeeping situation at Chelsea is firmly placed in doubt ahead of the summer window, with Filip Jorgensen and Robert Sanchez both potentially leaving this summer. Jorgensen has asked to go.
What would you do with Robert Sanchez and Mike Penders?
Sanchez, meanwhile, has interest from Saudi Arabian clubs and could depart himself after a season full of mistakes. The Spaniard might have improved of late, but Xabi Alonso is clearly not overly convinced.
Penders, meanwhile, has enjoyed a brilliant campaign with Strasbourg. The Belgian has starred for the Ligue 1 side and Penders was even named the Conference League’s best player of 2025-26 this season.
Asmir Begovic thinks Chelsea are making a Mike Penders mistake
While there is huge hype surrounding Penders, the lofty goalkeeper is still only 20 and remains rather inexperienced. Indeed, he has only played for Genk and Strasbourg. Chelsea is a different ball game.
Not only will Penders have to play well, but he will have to do so in front of an enormous, expectant fan base; he is yet to experience that. Former Blues star Asmir Begovic thinks Penders needs another loan.
Speaking to The Alex & Asmir Show, Begovic said: “You’re bringing Penders back now, maybe a year earlier than you’d like ideally – then what does the goalkeeping situation look like?
“Ben Roberts is the goalkeeping coach, but who is the no.2, the no.3? What does that every day look like and what’s his runway? Then we’re going to have to let him [Penders] make mistakes and everything else.
“To go through the ups and downs and be very patient with him. It’s very delicate, especially without Europe as they can’t rotate. I’d rather wait a year, be a year more sure on everything, physically, mentally.
“He’s had a long year, he’s with Belgium now, he’s not going to have a summer break; he needs to hit the ground running in the Premier League with Xabi Alonso. For me, it’s not a perfect scenario,” he said.
What Mike Penders actually thinks about Chelsea return
So, with Penders returning to Chelsea, the Blues now face making a big call. As things stand, it looks as if Penders will return, but it is unclear if he will be first choice at Chelsea, or if he will provide back-up.
Is Mike Penders the ultimate proof that the Strasbourg partnership actually works?👀
Jorgensen has handed in a transfer request; Sanchez’s future is in doubt. Chelsea have compiled a six-man list of goalkeepers that would be first choice if signed, while a bid for Mile Svilar has been rejected.
Penders is excited about his Chelsea stint and is confident he can meet the needs of Alonso and the club’s fans between the sticks. But until he actually gets the nod as Chelsea’s new no.1, it remains unclear.
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