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Djordje Petrovic suffers pre-season nightmare just weeks after Chelsea cashed in on goalkeeper

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Chelsea made it very clear that Djordje Petrovic was not going to be in their plans for the new season, and he is not off to the best of starts with his new club.

The Blues have made big money from player sales so far this summer, and receiving £25m for Petrovic is seen as a good sale by the club.

Petrovic had his pick of Premier League sides to join. Sunderland and Leeds, however he opted instead for a move to the South Coast to Bournemouth.

They were on the hunt for a new first-choice goalkeeper following the departure of Kepa Arrizabalaga. The former Chelsea loanee has made a move to become backup goalkeeper for Arsenal.

SOCCER: JUL 26 Premier League Summer Series Everton vs AFC Bournemouth
Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Bournemouth handed their new first-choice his second start for the club in pre-season when they met Manchester United in the Premier League Summer Series, a competition Chelsea won back in 2023.

Before he was subbed off in the 62nd minute, he had already conceded three goals, and made a mess of a Patrick Dorgu effort that made it 2-0. The game ended 4-1.

Reports stated that Enzo Maresca didn’t believe Petrovic would suit his style of play at Chelsea, and this was behind him leaving on loan last summer.

After demanding to be the number one upon his return, the decision was made to cash in two week’s ago.

Chelsea FC v AFC Bournemouth - Premier League
Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images

When will Petrovic return to Stamford Bridge?

With Petrovic likely to be the starting goalkeeper for the 2025/26 season, he will have his eyes on when he gets the opportunity to face his former side.

Chelsea make the trip to the South Coast on December 6, a fixture memorable last season for the superb performance of the Serbian’s former teammate, Robert Sanchez.

It will only be a few weeks later when he faces the wrath of the Stamford Bridge crowd. The reverse fixture between the two sides is currently set for December 30.

It is not likely to be the most positive reaction upon his return, based on how Chelsea fans have reacted to players who have left the club in recent years.