Chelsea Goalkeeper Mike Penders Set for Strasbourg Loan Move

Mike Penders, Chelsea’s young goalkeeper, is heading to France for a loan move to Strasbourg. He wants to get first-team experience in Ligue 1.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Penders is a 19-year-old Belgian goalkeeper who joined Chelsea last summer for around €20 million. Last season, he impressed while on loan at Genk. Now, he is set to join Strasbourg for the 2025/26 season. He will join their pre-season camp in Austria and compete to become the first-choice goalkeeper under manager Liam Rosenior. This move is part of the collaboration between Chelsea and Strasbourg, both of which are owned by BlueCo, allowing them to develop Chelsea’s top talents. A report confirmed that Mike Penders is set to join RC Strasbourg on loan for the 2025/26 season.

STRASBOURG AND CHELSEA: YOUTH DEVELOPMENT AND SEASON OUTLOOK

Penders hopes to become Strasbourg’s number one after a strong season at Genk. Strasbourg finished 7th in Ligue 1 last season and will compete in the Europa Conference League next season. They are rebuilding under new management, bringing in several young signings. They recently confirmed the signing of Mathis Amougou and may add Chelsea’s Ecuadorian midfielder, Kendry Páez, on loan. Meanwhile, Chelsea ended 4th in the Premier League last season, securing a Champions League spot. They are reshaping their squad and managing player development, and by loaning Penders, they create squad space for further moves.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR PENDERS AND STRASBOURG?

Penders will join Strasbourg in Austria and compete to be their starting goalkeeper for the new season. Strasbourg faces Metz in their opening match in just under two weeks, aiming to improve their league position from last season. Chelsea continues to monitor their loanees’ progress closely and will finalize more moves, including Kendry Páez, in the coming days. The competition for the number one goalkeeping spot at Strasbourg could be key for Penders’ growth and Chelsea’s future plans.