Chelsea have found a replacement for goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga (28), who was loaned out to Real Madrid. The Blues announced on Saturday night the signing of Serbian international Djordje Petrovic from MLS club New England Revolution. The 23-year-old has signed a contract with the Londoners until 2030 with the option of one more season.
Loud “The Athletic“ Chelsea pays 16 million euros for Petrovic, bonuses can increase the sum to up to 18 million euros – by far the most expensive goalkeeper from Serbia and MLS history. The Blues are also increasing their spending to 417 million euros – the second-highest amount ever. This is offset by income of 255 million euros.
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Petrovic had already tried to leave the club on MLS Deadline Day on August 2nd. Nantes FC and Nottingham Forest were interested in the goalkeeper who decided not to attend training. New England Revolution didn’t back down at the time, but the fee now offered turned the Foxborough, Massachusetts-based team around.
Petrovic is the second goalkeeper Chelsea have signed from an MLS club. Last August, Gabriel Slonina (19) came from Chicago Fire for just over 9 million euros. The US international is currently on loan to KAS Eupen. This summer, Chelsea brought in Robert Sánchez (25) as the new number one from Brighton, with Petrovic said to increase the pressure on the Spaniard.
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Petrovic moved to the MLS from his home country of FK Čukarički in April 2022. In 48 games for the New England Revolution, Petrovic kept his goal 15 times clean. He is known as a very communicative keeper who likes to move far away from his baseline to intercept crosses or leave the penalty area to prevent counter-attacks.
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