Chelsea are optimistic about the rapid development of their young goalkeeper, Mike Penders, and believe he has what it takes to thrive in the Premier League sooner rather than later.

The 19-year-old Belgian shot-stopper was signed from Genk at the start of the season but remained with the Belgian club for the 2024/25 campaign to continue his growth. He is set to officially join Chelsea in the summer of 2025.

According to GiveMeSport, Chelsea have no plans to sign a new goalkeeper in the upcoming summer transfer window, as they are confident in their current options. That includes Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen, as well as Penders and Djordje Petrovic, who is currently on loan at Strasbourg.

The report highlights that Chelsea see Penders as a goalkeeper with ‘elite potential’ and believe he can make the step up to English football quickly. The Blues fought off competition from Paris Saint-Germain to secure his signature, and it appears the club could be integrating him into the first-team squad sooner than expected.

With Jorgensen and Sanchez competing for the No.1 spot next season, Penders will have the opportunity to challenge for a place in Chelsea’s goalkeeping ranks. If he impresses, a Premier League debut might not be too far away for the highly-rated teenager.