"Depends on Chelsea" – Director goes public over transfer desire

04/02/2025 04:16 AM

Last summer, KRC Genk goalkeeper Mike Penders joined Chelsea and agreed a contract until 2032.

The 19-year-old will spend this season on loan with the Belgian club and will arrive at Chelsea in the summer.

Last month, the stopper admitted he’s unsure whether he will be at Chelsea next season. Penders also insisted he wants to play regularly irrespective of whether it’ll be with the Blues or at another club.

Genk technical director Dimitri De Condé has publicly expressed his desire to extend Penders’ stay beyond this season. The official was a guest on TVL Sportcafé and talked about the Chelsea man, with Het Laatste Nieuws relaying his comments.

The Belgium U19 international has kept eight clean sheets and conceded 12 goals from 17 games for the Jupiler Pro League side this season. De Condé is aware a new agreement to extend his stay will depend on the Blues.

“We would like Penders to stay with us for another year. But that doesn’t depend on Genk. It does depend on Chelsea,” he said.

“The agreement is that he will go to Chelsea next season. Chelsea will see if Mike can play a significant role next season. I know he wants to play. Chelsea also thinks he should play. So never say never.”

The Genk technical director has made it clear that they haven’t held talks with the young goalkeeper just yet.

“We have not discussed it with Mike yet. It is still too early for that. Our focus is now on the play-offs. After the competition it will soon become clear which direction it is going,” De Condé explained.

There should be more clarity on Chelsea’s plan for Penders once he returns to Stamford Bridge after this season.

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