Chelsea and Genk are on the verge of finalizing a €20 million deal for 19-year-old Belgian goalkeeper Mike Penders, according to reports.
Enzo Maresca and the team are currently in the U.S. for their pre-season tour. After a challenging start, they are set to face Club America and Manchester City this week.
The Blues have been active in the transfer market this summer. In addition to a new manager, they have signed seven new players, including Filip Jorgensen from Villarreal, whose arrival was confirmed on Tuesday evening.
While Chelsea is still looking for a striker and has been linked with Victor Osimhen, and could potentially pursue a winger if the right opportunity arises, the acquisition of another goalkeeper was unexpected.
HLN Sport reports that Chelsea is close to securing a €20 million deal with Genk for Penders.
The report adds that the deal, which will see Penders return to Genk on loan for an additional season, will include a sell-on clause. He is also expected to sign a long-term contract with Chelsea.
Penders, who has only made one senior appearance for Genk, managed a clean sheet in a goalless draw against Standard. If the transfer is finalized, he would become the most expensive goalkeeper in Belgian history, surpassing Bart Verbruggen, who moved from Anderlecht to Brighton last summer.
Although some have compared Penders to former Chelsea keeper Thibaut Courtois, it remains unclear why Chelsea feels the need to add another goalkeeper given their current roster.
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