Chelsea have altered their goalkeeping strategy following the agreement with Xabi Alonso to become their new head coach, according to TEAMtalk. Plans for Mike Penders to become the club’s number one next season are no longer progressing as expected.
The 20-year-old Penders, currently with Strasbourg, had been widely tipped to step into the Chelsea first team, with previous staff strongly backing his potential. However, Alonso’s arrival has triggered a wider reassessment of the squad, with a more experienced goalkeeper now a priority.
Alonso’s thinking is reportedly influenced by his successful time at Bayer Leverkusen, where an experienced captain in Lukas Hradecky provided leadership on and off the pitch. While Chelsea had previously attempted to sign AC Milan’s Mike Maignan last summer, and again considered him earlier this year before his contract renewal, he has re-emerged as a serious target.
Alongside Maignan, Chelsea’s recruitment staff have been evaluating other options, including Brighton’s Bart Verbruggen and Sunderland’s Robin Roefs. Concerns remain, however, regarding whether either possesses the level of experience Alonso desires. The club also maintains a long-standing interest in Everton’s Jordan Pickford, valuing his Premier League experience and international pedigree.
Prising Pickford away from Everton is expected to be difficult, with the Toffees determined to retain their key player, and Pickford himself reportedly content with his current situation. Atalanta’s Marco Carnesecchi and Porto’s Diogo Costa are also admired, but Maignan is currently considered the standout candidate.
Despite the shift in focus towards an experienced goalkeeper, Chelsea still hold Penders in high regard, viewing him as a promising talent with a long-term future at the club. Comparisons have been drawn to Thibaut Courtois, who also developed away from Stamford Bridge before becoming their established number one. Even former Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech believes Penders is ready for the role, citing Belgium manager Rudi Garcia’s faith in him. Penders is set to feature in the upcoming World Cup with Belgium, further enhancing his reputation.
Chelsea’s immediate priority is securing an experienced goalkeeper under Alonso, but the club’s long-term belief in Penders remains intact.
