Under the canopy of preparing vehemently for the 2023-2024 season. Chelsea have reached an agreement with New England Revolution over the signing of Djordje Petrović.
The West London club have just signed Kepa Arrizabalaga’s replacement. As a result, the 23-year-old Serbian will compete with Robert Sánchez this season.
Despite signing the likes of Moisés Caicedo, Roméo Lavia, Nicolas Jackson, and the rest. The Blues have just completed another signing this summer transfer window.
Mauricio Pochettino wants someone who can compete very well with Robert Sánchez. Therefore, he chose to bring Djordje Petrović to Stamford Bridge this campaign.
According to several reports, the Serbia international joined the Blues for a fee of €16 million. And he will sign a 7-year contract with the club until June 2030.
Also, the deal will include an option for one more year. Meanwhile, Petrović will undergo his medical as the new Chelsea goalkeeper on Wednesday at Stamford Bridge.
It’s actually surprising to see the Blues sign a goalkeeper outside of Europe’s top-5 leagues. Which means they believe so much in the 23-year-old Serbian goalie.
After the sale of Matt Turner to Arsenal in last summer’s transfer window. New England Revolution have made another huge profit from selling Djordje.
The MLS side signed Djordje Petrović from Čukarički for a fee of $1 million in 2022. Unbelievably, they just sold him for a fee of $17.5 million to the Premier League side.
Reportedly, the Serbian goalie only wants to become the No.1 goalkeeper. However, the Blues have already had Robert Sánchez in that position in the squad.
Regardless, it’s definitely going to be a tough competition between the two goalies. Of course, Petrović has the ability to outplay the former Brighton Albion goalkeeper.
Manchester United and other top European clubs were interested in signing Djordje. Surprisingly, he chose to join the West London club in the Premier League.
The Serbian youngster joined Chelsea from New England Revolution. Therefore, not many football fans know him, but his goalkeeping skills are flawless.
Statistically speaking, Djordje Petrović is literally the best goalkeeper in Major League Soccer. His all-around statistics are actually impressive.
Apparently, Robert Sánchez has been in the Premier League for some seasons now. As a result, he knows a lot about the league, particularly the strikers in it.
Nevertheless, he would have to stand firm this season. So as to be able to keep playing the Blues No.1 goalkeeper amid Petrović’s arrival from New England Revolution.
Who is Djordje Petrović?
The Serbian youngster started his football career at Čukarički in 2018. And he was able to make 78 appearances for the club, before moving to the United States of America.
Because Matt Turner’s move to Arsenal in 2022. Djordje joined New England Revolution from Čukarički as his replacement for a fee not less than $1 million.
He has been playing back-to-back games for the MLS side, making 43 appearances. Also, Petrović was called by the Serbian senior national team in 2021.
The Serbian youngster has been a starting goalie since the age of 19. Which explains his number of appearances for Čukarički jnnujs early career.
Therefore, he spent three years in Serbia at Čukarički, and two years in the USA at New England Revolution. Of course, he’s out of Europe’s top-5 leagues.
However, Djordje Petrović’s statistics are excellent and flawless. He has been dazzling impressively in every single season since the age of 19 at Čukarički.
Having spent just 2 seasons in the United States of America. He has single-handedly saved 19 goals for New England Revolution in all competitions since his arrival.
Some Djordje Petrović’s stats
4 goals conceded outside the box
40 shots faced
18 high claims
124 shots on target saved
80.6% save accuracy
Obviously, the Serbian goalie is a pure shot-stopper. However, he’s more like Nick Pope of Newcastle. The goalie isn’t really good with the ball.
However, his shot-stopping skills are second to none. Which means, he has the ability to deny 1v1 chances, commanding his box against the opposition.
Petrović may be just 23-year-old. However, he was named an MLS All-Star this year and Goalkeeper of the Year in Major League Soccer.
Apparently, the West London club have laid their hands on another gem in the world of football. Mauricio Pochettino keeps building the squad this season.
Meanwhile, Djordje Petrović’s biggest strength is his 1v1 defending. Also, his shot-stopping ability will make him irreplaceable in the Chelsea squad.
However, his weaknesses are decision-making; he is very poor at making decisions in aerial balls. He usually takes time before deciding when to come out or stay during corners.