Chelsea complete $17million signing of Djordje Petrovic from MLS side New England Revolution on a SEVEN-YEAR contract
- This deal will see the Serbian goalkeeper transfer to the club immediately
- Petrovic will provide competition with the Blues’ starter, Richard Sanchez
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Chelsea have completed the signing of Djordje Petrovic from Major League Soccer side New England Revolution for a fee of around $17.5million (£14m).
The 23-year-old Serbia international said: ‘I’m so happy to be at Chelsea and I’m really excited to get started at this club.
‘It’s a big step for me and it’s always been a dream of mine to sign for one of the biggest clubs in the world. Today I have achieved that goal and I’m so happy.
‘Playing in the Premier League is something I’m really looking forward to doing and I hope to learn many things here at Chelsea. I can’t wait to meet everyone and play at Stamford Bridge.’
The immediate transfer helps to solve Chelsea’s current need for extra goalkeeping.
Chelsea have officially signed New England Revolution goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic
The Blues agreed to a deal for the Major League Soccer goalkeeper for around $17million
Petrovic would compete with Robert Sanchez (L) after Kepa’s (R) move to Real Madrid
Currently, the Blues have three goalkeepers out on loan: Kepa Arrizabalaga at Real Madrid, Teddy Sharman-Lowe at Bromley, and Gaga Slonina at K.A.S. Eupen.
But currently, Chelsea only have Richard Sanchez in net after his transfer from Brighton over the summer.
Backup keeper Marco Bettinelli is injured and 20-year-old Lucas Bergstrom is the only other remaining goalie at Chelsea’s disposal.
In addition to the loaned out keepers, the Blues sold Edouard Mendy to the Saudi Pro League this summer.
Petrovic has been starring in net for the Revolution ever since their previous keeper, Matt Turner, also left for the Premier League when he joined Arsenal in 2022. Turner is now with Nottingham Forest.
If the deal goes through, Petrovic would be the second MLS goalkeeper to join the West Londoners this season after Slonina moved from the Chicago Fire on New Year’s Day.
Petrovic finished second in the running for 2022 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year, despite making only 21 appearances last season.
Petrovic was also named a 2023 MLS All-Star and currently leads the league with 99 saves and a 78.6 save percentage.
Petrovic currently leads all of Major League Soccer with 99 saves and a 78.6 save percentage
The Serbian was named to the MLS All-Star team and is a front-runner for top keeper honors
News of Chelsea’s interest in Petrovic first started to circulate several days ago after he became one of the few names Chelsea were linked with after Arrizabalaga’s departure.
FC Nantes and Nottingham Forrest both reportedly had bids for Petrovic turned down this summer according to The Athletic, and it remains to be seen if Chelsea’s will be accepted.
If Petrovic were to move to London it would not be the first time Chelsea have beaten a fellow Premier League team to the signature for a highly coveted player this summer.
The Blues recently made major waves after beating rivals Liverpool to the signings of both Romeo Lavia and Moises Caicedo
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