Chelsea Loans Goalkeeper Mike Penders to Strasbourg for 2025/26 Season

Chelsea Football Club has loaned their promising 19-year-old Belgian goalkeeper Mike Penders to their sister club Strasbourg for the 2025/2026 season, where he is expected to be the first-choice goalkeeper. Penders, who joined Chelsea from Genk in 2024 but has yet to feature for the London club, follows a pattern of Chelsea loaning young talents to Strasbourg, a club owned by the same group led by Todd Boehly, to gain valuable experience. Strasbourg has had success with previous Chelsea loanees like Djordje Petrovic, who impressed enough to earn a permanent move to Bournemouth. Penders, nicknamed the 'new Courtois' due to his Belgian heritage and height (6ft 7in), had a strong season at Genk, becoming their first-team goalkeeper mid-season and making 25 appearances. The loan move is seen as a significant step up for Penders, with manager Liam Rosenior assuring him the starting spot, reflecting the faith Chelsea has in his potential. Strasbourg will compete in the Conference League next season, aiming to maintain their strong performances despite losing key players.