Chelsea make initial approach for Villarreal goalkeeper Filip Jörgensen — reports

07/22/2024 03:55 PM

Hmmm

Filip Jörgensen's name was speculatively floated in the rumor mill at the start of Silly Season, but back then, the idea of Chelsea going after him seemed little more than idle chatter. Goalkeeper was not said to be high on our priority list, if on it at all, at the time.

But evidently our thinking has changed since, presumably motivated to some degree by new head coach Enzo Maresca's preferences. Đorđe Petrović appears to have not convinced the new man in charge at all and while Robert Sánchez looks to have his starting job back for the moment, confidence in him wasn't exactly high or consistent last season either. Sánchez may fit Maresca's system a bit better in theory, but in an ideal world, we'd probably want to upgrade on both.

Jörgensen could be that upgrade, though at just 22, we'd once again be buying potential as well, not just current ability. The Denmark U21 international has just one full season under his belt at the top level, though it was an impressive and busy season indeed as he led La Liga in total saves made. Jörgensen was rewarded just last month with a new five-year contract through 2029, which has a £34m release clause — high for a goalkeeper but right in our wheelhouse in terms of a transfer fee.

Multiple reports speak of an "initial approach" made by Chelsea today. Villarreal's response is unknown. Other names may be on our list as well, but we've yet to make any other approaches.