Chelsea goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen has departed the club’s pre-season training camp in Australia ahead of a move to Strasbourg, according to Fabrizio Romano. An agreement between all parties is reportedly “almost done”, though the nature of the transfer – whether a loan or a permanent deal – remains unconfirmed.
BBC Sport’s Nizaar Kinsella has corroborated the report, stating that Jorgensen is currently travelling back to England to finalise the details of his departure. Interest from elsewhere in the English Football League also exists, with newly promoted Coventry City, managed by Chelsea legend Frank Lampard, also reportedly monitoring the situation.
The move comes after Jorgensen reportedly informed Chelsea of his desire to seek regular first-team football earlier in July. Should he complete the transfer, the Denmark international will become the fifth player to leave Stamford Bridge this summer, joining Marc Cucurella, Andrey Santos, Tyrique George, and Alejandro Garnacho in departing the club ahead of Xabi Alonso’s first season as manager.
Jorgensen joined Chelsea from Villarreal in July 2024 for a reported €23 million (£20 million), signing a seven-year contract. However, the 24-year-old has struggled to establish himself as the first-choice goalkeeper, making only 36 appearances in two seasons. Competition from Robert Sanchez has limited his opportunities.
Chelsea also have highly-rated young goalkeeper Mike Penders within their ranks. Penders spent last season on loan at Strasbourg, who are owned by the same parent company, BlueCo, as Chelsea. He impressed during his time in France, making 50 appearances in all competitions and helping the club finish eighth in Ligue 1 and reach the UEFA Conference League semi-finals. Penders was also included in Belgium’s squad for the recent World Cup.
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has publicly stated his intention to reduce the size of his squad this summer. Speaking recently, Alonso emphasised the need for flexibility in the transfer market and the importance of finding the right balance within the team. He highlighted the need for depth due to potential injuries and the club’s participation in multiple competitions.
Alonso indicated he is seeking a squad size that is “not too long, not too short,” and prioritises players with the right qualities, personalities, and maturity. The potential departure of Jorgensen aligns with Alonso’s plans to streamline the squad and provide more opportunities for players like Penders to compete for a starting position alongside Sanchez.
