Chelsea are set for a busy summer under new head coach Xabi Alonso, with significant squad changes expected. One key decision revolves around the goalkeeping position.
Jorgensen seeks exit
Filip Jorgensen has held face-to-face talks with Chelsea and made clear his intention to leave the club. The 24-year-old Danish goalkeeper, who joined from Villarreal for over £20 million in 2024, wants regular first-team football after making only 12 appearances in the 2025/26 campaign. He has informed Ben Roberts, Chelsea's head of global goalkeeping, that departing is his best option. Jorgensen has been called up by Denmark for the upcoming World Cup.
Penders ready for first-team chance
Meanwhile, young goalkeeper Mike Penders is set to be integrated into the senior squad. The 20-year-old impressed during a loan spell at Strasbourg, also under the BlueCo umbrella. He is now poised to challenge for a place at Stamford Bridge.
Alonso's choice
Xabi Alonso will have a straight choice between Robert Sanchez and Mike Penders for the number one spot in his debut season. Current number one Robert Sanchez faces competition from the emerging talent. Alonso is expected to have more influence over transfers than his predecessors.
Further squad changes
Chelsea are targeting a centre-back, midfielder, and left-sided winger this summer. Other areas may also be strengthened to give Alonso the tools to improve on a disappointing 10th-place finish. The Blues ended the season with a 2-1 defeat at Sunderland, ending European hopes. Interim head coach Calum McFarlane expressed disappointment: "We're gutted that we couldn't do it for them."
