YOUNG goalkeeper Mike Penders is set to be given a “concrete” role in Chelsea’s first-team next season despite the Blues recently being linked to Sunderland shot-stopper Robin Roefs, according to reports.
Penders, 20, who has spent this season on loan at sister club Strasbourg, will reportedly be integrated into the first team.
Reports from Europe suggest Mike Penders will be part of the Chelsea first-team next season Credit: Getty
It comes after the West Londoners were linked with Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs Credit: Getty
Belgian sports reporter Sacha Tavolieri exclusively revealed on Sky Sports Switzerland that the goalkeeper, who is also Belgian, has been promised a big role at Chelsea.
He wrote: “Mike Penders is about to take a major step in his young career. According to our information, the Belgian goalkeeper will return to Chelsea after his loan spell and fully integrate into the Blues’ first team squad next season.”
Before adding that “Chelsea now wants to give the goalkeeper a concrete role in the first-team squad”, the club initially plan for Penders to provide competition to the number one before trusting him with the position in future years.
The update comes after .
The 23-year-old has made a huge impression in his first Premier League season following his £9 million move from NEC Nijmegen.
Now the Dutch Under-21 international who has also been called up into the senior squad by manager is valued at least five times that at around £50 million.
With Roefs being just three years older than Penders, it raises the question of who Chelsea would prefer.
While reports say that the club initially want Penders to provide competition before becoming the main man, a £50m swoop for a 23-year-old established Premier League goalkeeper in Roefs comes across like a long-term investment.
New Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso is sure to want a say on his goalkeeper Credit: Getty
And following Chelsea’s appointment of ‘manager’, not ‘head-coach’, , you would assume that the ex-Real Madrid boss will have a say on who he wants between the sticks.
Penders kept eight clean sheets in for Strasbourg this season – playing in all but one of their league games.
Meanwhile Roefs has kept 10 clean sheets in the 34 Premier League matches he has played.
His performances have helped secure a promising return to the Premier League for , who sit 10th in the table – one place above their bitter rivals Newcastle United.
Chelsea travel to the Stadium of Light for their final outing of the season on Sunday, where fan-favourite Roefs could well be in the shop window.
The recent talk surrounding Chelsea’s goalkeeper indicates that it might be the end of the road for Robert Sanchez, who has never fully won over Blues fans.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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