Chelsea have been the benefactors of their owners’ decision to add Strasbourg to the list of clubs under the BlueCo model, and one of their Club World Cup winners will join the Ligue 1 side.
Last season saw Andrey Santos establish himself as one of the best young midfielders in world football in France before returning to Stamford Bridge.
Santos was named in the Ligue 1 Team of the Season for his performances, alongside fellow Chelsea loanee Djordje Petrovic.
While the Brazilian was taken to the United States for the Club World Cup, the goalkeeper was not, and Petrovic is now set to join Bournemouth for a significant profit.
Mike Penders will leave Chelsea to join Strasbourg on loan
Instead of him, youngster Mike Penders joined up with the travelling squad for the competition, after finishing off his time in Belgium with Genk.
Penders didn’t make any appearances in America, however will have got a great experience working alongside the likes of Robert Sanchez, who enjoyed a great tournament in his own right.
It was reported that Chelsea were considering keeping Penders to occupy the third goalkeeper spot for the upcoming season, with them needing to replace Marcus Bettinelli in that position.
However, he is now set to be the latest youngster to enjoy a spell with Strasbourg. Fabrizio Romano has confirmed a deal has been done between both clubs for a loan deal.
He said: “Mike Penders deal, done and set to be sealed as Chelsea goalkeeper will join Strasbourg on loan. Agreement in place for next season while Chelsea see Penders as top talent for the future.”
Chelsea have big Penders fear already
Being tall and Belgian, it has been easy for people to compare the youngster to former Chelsea shot stopper Thibaut Courtois.
However, the club are wary of how their former goalkeeper had not formed a connection to the club after spending so many of his early years on loan away from Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea are worried about Penders not growing an affection for the club, and it can be expected that it will not be long before he is seriously challenging for the number one shirt.
Penders already backs himself to be good enough for Chelsea, however for now chiefs at the club will be keeping an eye on how he gets on in Ligue 1 and the Conference League.
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox
