Add as preferred source on Google
Chelsea could sign a new goalkeeper this summer as they reportedly target Brighton & Hove Albion’s Bart Verbruggen.
It has been claimed that Chelsea are interested in signing Verbruggen but face competition from London rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
Statistically, the 23-year-old has been one of the top goalkeepers in the Premier League this season.
Who is Chelsea’s best goalkeeper?
Even so, signing him would address very little, while Chelsea already have a capable shot-stopper in Robert Sanchez.
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty ImagesBart Verbruggen signing won’t address Chelsea’s lack of leadership in central defence and overall inexperience
It is thought that Brighton want £50m for Verbruggen, which is not a small fee. Of course, Chelsea can afford to pay that, but they would be better off putting it towards a seasoned central defender.
There is no denying that this is a very gifted Chelsea squad. It boasts Cole Palmer, Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez, three of the best players in the Premier League.
However, they are still quite young footballers, as are a lot of the team’s current centre-back options.
Ultimately, Liam Rosenior needs more experience and leadership in his ranks and probably a central defender who will bring both.
With that in mind, Bournemouth’s Marcos Senesi could be a good option. The Argentina international is 28 and is set to become a free agent in the summer.
Again, Verbruggen is not a bad goalkeeper, but you just have to question whether Chelsea actually need him.
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty ImagesBart Verbruggen wouldn’t be vast upgrade on Robert Sanchez
With Sanchez currently Chelsea’s No.1, goalkeeper does not need to be a priority for the Blues this summer.
In the Premier League, Sanchez has kept four more clean sheets than Verbruggen, while their save percentages are almost the same.
Robert Sanchez IS one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League 👌
Photo by Andrew Kearns – CameraSport via Getty Images
According to FBref, the 28-year-old has saved 69.9% of shots he has faced this term, while his Brighton counterpart has saved 70.7%.
Chelsea also have the talented Mike Penders on their books and need to take his development into consideration. Bringing in Verbruggen could have ramifications for the young Belgian.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox