Romano confirms Chelsea's next signing after Omorodion

Cameron Smith

• 9 Aug 2024 06:30 BST
• 3 min read

Chelsea have reached an agreement to sign KRC Genk goalkeeper Mike Penders for a reported transfer fee of €20 million.

The 19-year-old will reportedly sign a contract until 2032, while he will remain at Genk on loan for the duration of the 2024-25 campaign.

Penders, who has been compared to former Chelsea shot-stopper Thibaut Courtois, will become the joint-most expensive goalkeeper to ever leave the Belgian top flight when he completes his move to Stamford Bridge.

READ MORE: Premier League summer transfers 2024 - All the Done Deals

Bart Verbruggen currently holds that record, following his €20m transfer from RSC Anderlecht to Brighton & Hove Albion last summer, but Penders will draw level with the Netherlands international.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed Penders’ imminent move to Chelsea, posting on X: “Mike Penders to Chelsea, here we go! Deal in place for 2005 born goalkeeper to join the club from Genk.

“Package up to €20m add-ons included, long term deal. Chelsea see huge potential in Penders.

READ MORE: Every wonderkid Chelsea have signed under Todd Boehly

“He’s staying at Genk for season 24/25, heading to London next June.”

Chelsea announced the signing of Boca Juniors defender Aaron Anselmino on Thursday and the west London club are on the verge of completing a deal for Atletico Madrid forward Samu Omorodion.

The Spain U21 international will join the club for €40m once he completes his medical. Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher is heading in the opposite direction for a reported fee of €42m.

Mike Penders to Chelsea

Penders made his senior debut for Genk against Standard Liege in July, and backed that up with a second consecutive appearance versus OH Leuven last weekend.

He is expected to be Genk’s first-choice goalkeeper for the remainder of the 2024-25 season, before returning to Chelsea next summer.

The Belgian teenager will become the fifth goalkeeper purchased by Chelsea under Todd Boehly’s reign, following the arrivals of Gabriel Slonina, Robert Sanchez, Djordje Petrovic and Filip Jorgensen for a combined €72.6m.

Furthermore, Kepa Arrizabalaga remains on the Blues’ books, while fellow goalkeepers Marcus Bettinelli, Eddie Beach and Lucas Bergstrom are also listed in Chelsea’s first-team squad.