Chelsea were in negotiations with Premier League goalkeeper before Filip Jorgensen; pulled out of deal due to £40 million price tag: Reports
Chelsea have reportedly reached an agreement to sign Danish goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen from Villarreal, but had another Danish goalkeeper in their sights before then. The Blues have agreed to pay around £21 million to the Spanish club to sign Jorgensen as their new goalkeeper this summer.
Leicester City appointed Enzo Maresca as their new boss last summer and one of his first signings was relatively unknown goalkeeper Mads Hermansen from Brondby. The Dane became a vital cog in the coach's plans, quickly understanding how he wanted to play and executing his role perfectly.
Chelsea went the Leicester route when they appointed Maresca this summer. When it became apparent that they needed a new goalkeeper, the Italian tactician knew just where he wanted to look.
Danish outlet Bold.dk revealed that Enzo Maresca had Hermansen as his first-choice option, but the asking price was a problem. The goalkeeper has a £40 million price tag, with Leicester City keen on keeping him after his displays last season.
Instead of Hermansen, Maresca and Chelsea opted for Filip Jorgensen, the 22-year-old Villarreal man. They have reached an agreement with his club over the transfer, having previously reached an agreement on personal terms with the player himself.
The arrival of Jorgensen at Stamford Bridge would likely spell the end of Djordje Petrovic's career at the club. The Villarreal man is more accomplished with the ball at his feet and fits better into Maresca's playing style. Petrovic was left out of the US tour squad due to injury, but could soon leave the club.
Jorgensen will compete with Spanish international Robert Sanchez for a starting berth between the sticks. The goalkeeper will sign a seven-year contract at Stamford Bridge and will be keen to displace Sanchez as the club's first choice.
Celtic trounce Chelsea in pre-season friendly
Scottish champions Celtic continued their preparations for the 2024-25 season with a convincing win over Chelsea. The Blues succumbed to a 4-1 defeat at the Notre Dame Stadium as Celtic outclassed them.
Brendan Rodgers' side took the lead through Matt O'Riley in the first half before Kyogo Furuhashi doubled their advantage before the break. The Hoops went on to score twice more in the second period through Luis Palma and Michael Johnston.
Chelsea pulled one back in the 89th minute when Christopher Nkunku made it two goals in as many games with a well-struck penalty. The Blues failed to score any more goals as they suffered a first pre-season defeat. They will now face Club America on July 31 hoping to muster a response.