Having decided to enter the market for a new goalkeeper, Chelsea appear to be making quick work of things.
According to the The Athletic, we’re already “close to agreeing” a deal for Filip Jörgensen, after making a bid of around €20-25m, about half the release clause amount of €45m. The 21-year-old Denmark international was reportedly at the top of our shorlist to replace Đorđe Petrović as the backup and challenger to Robert Sánchez, who’s set to get another chance to be our starter. Jörgensen’s said to be keen on the move, so presumably personal terms won’t be a problem.
Jörgensen burst onto the scene at Villarreal last season, leading La Liga in total saves — though that’s also an indictment of Villarreal’s defense, which allowed the most shots of any team and was third in goals given up. They did however restrict the quality of chances given up, and were fourth in the league at just 0.27 PSxG/shot. Jörgensen’s save percentage of 72% was middle of table (in much more limited action, Kepa was second in the league at 76%), and towards the bottom end of the table in terms of making expected saves (giving up 63 non-penalty goals on 59.8 xG) — though still slightly better than Jan Oblak, surprisingly (Giorgi Mamardashvili led the league in that category; Kepa was sixth).
So, not exactly Earth-shattering numbers, but certainly not terrible for a first full senior professional season at the top level. Another project goalkeeper? Let’s [FUNNING] go.
🚨🔵 EXCLUSIVE: Chelsea send first bid in the region of €20m to Villarreal for Filip Jorgensen!
It follows talks on player side as revealed earlier this week; he’s on the list as potential new GK for Maresca.
Jorgensen, keen on the move. pic.twitter.com/EKhcDtYICr
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 24, 2024
