Chelsea are in the mood to stop targeting the young talents in the world of football. In the latest move, the Premier League club are close to signing Genk teenage goalkeeper Mike Penders for €20 million, as reported by journalist Sacha Tavolieri.
Who is Mike Penders?
After spending his initial years at Boorsem Sport and Bregel Sport, Mike Penders moved to Genk in 2018. Following his impressive performances at the youth level, he finally got to debut for the senior side in July this year.
Penders became the third youngest goalkeeper to debut in the Belgian Pro League history. Though he has managed to get only one game under his hat this season so far, a cluster of game-time should be on the cards for him.
The Belgian shot-stopper is rated highly in his country. He has excellent reflexes and strong hands to block powerful shots. With more work in his distribution attributes, he can emerge as a top-quality goalkeeper in Europe.
Chelsea’s strategy is annoying fans
Chelsea’s strategy under the new owners has been quite simple. They go after the young talents to nourish them and utilise them for the club’s use. Though they have been facing a lot of criticism for this approach, the management doesn’t care about it.
The Blues continue to execute their plans as they are in advanced talks for Mike Penders. The goalkeeper will cost somewhere around €20 million. As reported, he will then be sent back to Genk on a loan for a season to continue his developments.
Chelsea recently signed Filip Jorgensen from Villarreal for around €24 million. With his arrival, it’s crystal clear that Djorde Petrovic will have to find a new home this summer. The competition to be the first-choice goalkeeper for the 2024-25 season will be between Robert Sanchez and Jorgensen. The situation might again change when next season Penders returns from Genk.
