Serbia international goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic has been excluded from Chelsea’s Club World Cup squad and is expected to leave the club this summer, but an exit isn’t straightforward, sources tell GIVEMESPORT.
Petrovic previously sold his image rights to another party, a situation that would likely need to be resolved before any potential transfer, sources add.
Chelsea’s sister club Strasbourg are interested in a permanent deal for Petrovic, but it’s unclear if Petrovic would be open to a permanent move after a successful loan to the club last season in which he was named the club’s player of the season. The Ligue 1 club do have a Europa Conference League playoff and could end up with six European games if they qualify for the tournament, which could help their cause.
Petrovic has other options in Europe, with up to five clubs making enquiries to Chelsea, and as long as the image rights situation isn’t a hurdle suitors are expected to start making moves in the coming weeks.
The Daily Telegraph first reported Petrovic was excluded from Chelsea’s Club World Cup roster.
Chelsea feel that Petrovic’s value has risen from the initial deal worth just under $20 million (£15 million) with add-ons due to strong performances under Mauricio Pochettino at Chelsea in the back-half of 2023/24 as well as on loan with Strasbourg.
Petrovic was previously expected to return to Chelsea this summer to fight for the No. 1 shirt, but Chelsea appear to be focused on judging Robert Sanchez, Filip Jorgensen and the highly-rated Mike Penders this summer. The former will join from Genk, while the latter two were Enzo Maresca’s keepers last season. Chelsea also tried to bring in Mike Maignan this week, but refused to pay Milan’s £25m asking price.
A Petrovic exit is made more likely by the fact the keeper wishes to be a No.1 and that doesn’t appear something Chelsea can guarantee.
Petrovic, 25, has seven caps with Serbia. He made 31 Ligue 1 appearances for Strasbourg as he helped lead the club to qualify for European football next season.
The shot-stopper broke through with the New England Revolution in 2022. He was runner-up in MLS Goalkeeper of the Year voting despite joining during the campaign.
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