Backed by Xabi Alonso, returning Chelsea youngster Mike Penders has laid out an ambitious blueprint to bypass a loan move and gatecrash the first team.
Chelsea’s goalkeeping situation is finally set for a shakeup as Filip Jorgensen has officially informed the club of his desire to leave Stamford Bridge. Frustrated by a severe lack of consistent first-team minutes under both Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior, the 24-year-old shot-stopper has had enough.
With Chelsea now open to sanctioning his exit, the door has swung wide open for Mike Penders.
The Belgian giant is returning to West London with plenty of momentum behind him after an impressive 52-appearance loan spell at sister club Strasbourg. Penders’ form in Ligue 1 even earned him a senior Belgium call-up for the World Cup.
Anthony Gordon starred for England against Costa Rica but is no longer an option for Chelsea. Which left winger should we now sign? 🤔
Mike Penders is up for the challenge at Chelsea
In an interview with Voetbalkrant, Mike Penders has looked forward to his return to Chelsea this summer, but states that he’s first focused on impressing at the World Cup with Belgium.
“I am starting pre-season at Chelsea and will try to prove myself in training. Hopefully, I stay injury-free and can prove myself.
“Anything is possible, but I am starting at Chelsea and will do my utmost to achieve my goal. Am I ready for it? Definitely, but first I want to focus entirely on this World Cup. After that, we’ll see.”
PREDICTION: Which Chelsea player do you think will have the BEST World Cup?👀
Mamadou Sarr is being slept on…
Xabi Alonso has already approved of Mike Penders
Chelsea have decided to integrate Penders into the first team under Xabi Alonso, but Penders will not be first choice initially, but could be over time.
This is the right move, especially given the need for experience at Chelsea, which is something that Robert Sanchez provides.
However, should there be the first sniff of a mistake from Sanchez, then you’ve got the best player from the Conference League last season waiting in the wings.
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