As the summer transfer window approaches, Chelsea are preparing themselves for a major decision regarding one of their breakout stars — albeit one who hasn’t been shining at Stamford Bridge this season. Djordje Petrovic, currently thriving on loan at Strasbourg, is attracting serious attention from across Europe, with Bayer Leverkusen reportedly ready to put their money where their mouth is to lure the Serbian stopper to the Bundesliga.
Djordje Petrovic Enjoying Excellent Loan Season With Strasbourg
When Enzo Maresca arrived at Chelsea last summer, one of his early calls was to stick with Robert Sanchez as his first-choice goalkeeper. With newly signed understudy Filip Jorgensen also on board, it left little room for Djordje Petrovic, who had shown real promise under Mauricio Pochettino the previous season.
Rather than sit on the bench all year, Petrovic was loaned to Chelsea’s sister club Strasbourg, where he has grabbed the opportunity with both hands — quite literally.
The 25-year-old Serbian international has enjoyed a stellar season in Ligue 1, boasting a save percentage of 80.1%, better than either of Chelsea’s senior goalkeepers. His performances between the sticks have not only helped Strasbourg stay competitive but have also made him a leading candidate for Ligue 1’s Goalkeeper of the Year.
In an era where dependable goalkeepers are worth their weight in gold, it’s no wonder bigger clubs have taken notice.
Chelsea to Make Transfer Decisions on Bloated Goalkeeper Department
Petrovic’s strong showing in France creates a healthy headache for Chelsea.
Once the summer arrives, the Blues are set for a massive goalkeeping reshuffle. No fewer than seven goalkeepers will be on the books at Stamford Bridge: Robert Sanchez, Filip Jorgensen, Marcus Bettinelli, returning loanee Kepa Arrizabalaga, highly rated youngster Mike Penders (joining from Genk for £17m), and Gabriel Slonina, the £12m signing from Chicago Fire who’s been developing quietly.
That’s far too many to keep around, and Petrovic’s success has complicated matters further.
There’s a growing feeling inside the club that Petrovic deserves a fair crack at becoming Chelsea’s No.1 next season. His shot-stopping ability, calmness under pressure, and knack for making big saves in crucial moments have not gone unnoticed. Enzo Maresca will have a big decision to make: stick with Sanchez, back the emerging Jorgensen, or hand the gloves to Petrovic.
Alternatively, there’s the tempting prospect of cashing in — and that’s where Bayer Leverkusen enter the fray.
Bayer Leverkusen Prepared to Spend Big on Petrovic
According to reports out of Germany, Bayer Leverkusen are seriously keen on Petrovic.
Fresh off a domestic double under Xabi Alonso, Leverkusen are looking to solidify their squad ahead of a busy season that will include Champions League football. The goalkeeper position has been identified as an area for reinforcement, and Petrovic has emerged as their top target.
The German side are said to be ready to spend “a lot of money” to secure Petrovic’s services. While no exact figure has been reported, it’s understood that Chelsea could command a hefty fee given the 25-year-old’s contract status and his growing reputation.
Considering that Chelsea bought Petrovic for just over £14m from New England Revolution in 2023, any sizeable sale now would represent an impressive piece of business.
The ball, it seems, is very much in Chelsea’s court.
What Selling Petrovic Would Mean for Chelsea’s Goalkeeper Situation
If Petrovic does leave, it will almost certainly trigger a series of knock-on effects within the club’s goalkeeping department.
- Robert Sanchez would likely retain his spot as the first-choice keeper — although his performances have been inconsistent at best.
- Filip Jorgensen, despite a rocky debut season, would continue to serve as backup, unless another move is sanctioned.
- Marcus Bettinelli is locked in as third-choice and valued for his experience and professionalism behind the scenes.
- Kepa Arrizabalaga, on loan at Bournemouth, is almost certain to be sold permanently. Bournemouth are keen to keep him, but if Real Madrid reignite their interest, it could complicate matters.
- Mike Penders, the highly touted Belgian teenager, is expected to go out on loan to continue his development.
- Gabriel Slonina, who has been impressing in the Belgian Pro League, is also tipped for another loan spell — with several Championship clubs reportedly interested.
In short, while Chelsea would still have depth even if Petrovic left, letting go of arguably the most in-form goalkeeper of the lot would certainly be a gamble.
Should Chelsea Cash In or Keep Petrovic?
It’s the million-pound question: should Chelsea sell Djordje Petrovic or keep him?
There are solid arguments on both sides.
On one hand, if Leverkusen are willing to pay upwards of £30m, that’s a big return on a player who cost significantly less and hasn’t yet made a major impact at Stamford Bridge. Selling would also help Chelsea stay on the right side of Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations, something they have to be mindful of given their lavish spending under the Todd Boehly regime.
On the other hand, reliable goalkeepers are hard to find — and Chelsea might be sitting on a gem in Petrovic. His performances in Ligue 1 suggest he could very easily take over as the long-term No.1, sparing Chelsea the trouble (and expense) of dipping back into the market.
It would be a shame if Chelsea spent years and millions searching for a goalkeeper, only to realize they already had the solution in-house all along.
Conclusion: A Summer of Big Decisions for Chelsea
The Petrovic situation is just one piece of what promises to be a fascinating puzzle at Stamford Bridge this summer.
With Enzo Maresca set to oversee a rebuild and a number of big names expected to come and go, the handling of the goalkeeping department will be crucial. Petrovic’s fate could well signal the broader direction the club intends to take under the new regime: pragmatic asset management or ruthless pursuit of short-term success.
For now, all eyes are on Bayer Leverkusen. If they come knocking with a big enough cheque, Chelsea will have a serious decision to make.
Either way, it’s safe to say that Djordje Petrovic’s future — whether it lies in West London or elsewhere — is going to be one of the stories to watch as the transfer window gets into full swing.
