Who is Djordje Petrovic? Chelsea’s new goalkeeper set to be signed for MLS transfer record
Cameron Smith
- 22 Aug 2023 04:10 CDT
- 4 min read
Chelsea are set to sign their second goalkeeper of this summer transfer window after agreeing a €16.4 million (£14m) deal for New England Revolution shot-stopper Djordje Petrovic.
It comes after the recent arrival of Robert Sanchez from Brighton & Hove Albion and the departures of Kepa Arrizabalaga on loan to Real Madrid and Edouard Mendy's permanent move to Saudi Pro League Al-Ahli.
Petrovic has enjoyed a rather under the radar career to date, so who is Chelsea's imminent new signing?
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What position does Djordje Petrovic play?
Petrovic is a goalkeeper, who specialises in shot-stopping.
How good is Djordje Petrovic?
The Serbian goalkeeper had already earned international recognition before he moved to the MLS, with Petrovic making his Serbia debut back in January 2021.
That came during his time at FK Čukarički, who finished third in the Serbian top flight that campaign.
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He earned a move to New England Revolution in 2022 and has been one of the MLS' outstanding goalkeepers ever since. Petrovic kept seven clean sheets in his debut year in the USA and has already matched that tally in 2023 as New England Revolution fly high near the top of the Eastern Conference.
Petrovic is an excellent shot-stopper and he excels at one-on-one saves inside the penalty area, using a combination of his feet and hands to deny attackers.
Since joining the MLS, he ranks second for saves (184) and his save percentage of 82.7% in the 2022 season is better than Kepa has ever managed in his career when playing over 400 minutes in a campaign.
Furthermore, it would have ranked better than any goalkeeper in the Premier League in the 2022-23 campaign; David Raya's 77.7% save percentage was the best in the English top flight.
What clubs are interested in Djordje Petrovic?
Manchester United have previously held interest in Petrovic, but he is now on his way to Chelsea. The Blues have agreed a fee and a medical has been planned.
When does Djordje Petrovic's contract expire?
Petrovic's contract at New England Revolution runs until 2025, however that will end when he joins Chelsea. He is expected to sign a seven-year deal at Stamford Bridge, with the option of an eighth.
How old is Djordje Petrovic?
Petrovic was born on 8 October 1999. He is 23 years old.
What is Djordje Petrovic's Instagram?
Petrovic's Instagram handle is dj.petrovic12. He has 10.1k followers as of August 2023.
