Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has stayed very loyal to goalkeeper Robert Sanchez this season despite his poor form between the sticks.
Gianfranco Zola was amongst those who praised the manager for starting Filip Jorgensen in his place in the last Premier League game against West Ham.
After fans have become to come clearly impatient with the Spaniard, Maresca has confirmed he has made the call to persist with Jorgensen as the number one for the foreseeable future.
Chelsea’s goalkeeper plan after Robert Sanchez dropped
The decision to many has been due for some time, however there is plenty of time left in the season for the former Villarreal man to state his case for beyond this season.
It has always been believed that Chelsea see Jorgensen as the perfect fit for how Maresca wants to play, although the transfer window presents an opportunity to strengthen in the summer.
Transfer expert Graeme Bailey has told The Chelsea Chronicle that this is now a huge opportunity for the previous number two to take, while he believes Sanchez’s time at number one is over for good at Stamford Bridge.
He said: “It’s like his Ramsdale moment, where a decision has been made. Jorgensen’s going to get the chance. This is his chance, he’s got this run until the end of the season. It won’t stop Chelsea looking around in the meantime, which we know they are doing, but it does give Jorgensen that chance to become the number one.
“With Sanchez, does he stay as number two? Wouldn’t rule it out, he’d be a very good number two arguably, but not the first time he’s lost the jersey at a Premier League club.
“I don’t think we’ll see Sanchez back as Chelsea number one from what I’m hearing, they haven’t really been won over by him, Maresca’s given him the chance.”
Could Mike Penders start for Chelsea next season?
In a similar way to how the Blues are awaiting the addition of Estevao Willian and Kendry Paez, Chelsea will also see Mike Penders join the club after confirming his addition from Genk.
The 19-year-old has been a regular in the starting side since January, impressing in his ability to save as well as with his distribution.
| Mike Penders 24/25 stats | Total |
| Appearances | 7 |
| Clean sheets | 3 |
| Saves | 12 |
| Pass accuracy | 79.5% |
Bailey has stated that while the Blues are keeping a close eye on Penders, the plan is not currently for him to be a starter next season.
He said: “I’m told they’ll assess him. It hasn’t stopped them looking around at other first teamers. The goalkeeping department is still an area they’re not 100% happy with. I don’t get the feeling they’re expecting him to come in as a number one next season.”
Chelsea have been linked with a number of goalkeepers. The Blues recently had their top scout in attendance to watch Zion Suzuki in Italy, with him on the radar of a plethora of top clubs.
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