For an MLS record fee? - Why Chelsea are desperate to sign Djordje Petrovic

There seems to be no limit to Chelsea’s spending under owner Todd Boehly. In New England Revolution goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic, Chelsea are set to sign yet another high-priced goalkeeper from Major League Soccer. Last week, several outlets, including well-informed Tom Bogert from The Athletic, reported that Chelsea have made a bid in the region of $15 million (€13.7m) for the 23-year-old Serbian goalkeeper. That opening bid was rejected, but Transfermarkt understands that Chelsea are likely to return with another even higher bid. 

New England, in the meantime, seem to have come to terms with the fact that they might lose Petrovic sooner rather than later. In fact, Petrovic tried to force his way out of the club on MLS deadline day on August 2. With Nantes and Nottingham Forest interested in the goalkeeper, Petrovic decided to sit out training on August 2. Back then, the New England Revolution remained firm and were able to hang on to the keeper. That persistence could earn the Revolution an MLS record transfer fee for a goalkeeper (overview).

Now it appears that Petrovic will become the second goalkeeper signed by Chelsea from an MLS club. Last August, Chelsea signed Gabriel Slonina from Chicago Fire in a deal worth just over €9m. That deal is the current record deal for a goalkeeper leaving MLS. Slonina remained with the Fire until the end of the 2023 season before moving to England. This summer, Chelsea have opted to loan the 19-year-old to Jupiler Pro League side KAS Eupen. Slonina, in fact, is not the only goalkeeper to have left the club. Kepa Arrizabalaga left Chelsea for Real Madrid this month. 

Although Chelsea signed Robert Sánchez from Brighton, there is now a sense at the London-based club that there is not enough depth at the goalkeeper position. The only other two goalkeepers at Chelsea are Marcus Bettinelli and Lucas Bergström—neither are proven starters at any level. As a result, Chelsea have been desperate to bring on another goalkeeper. 

Petrovic, in the meantime, has developed into one of the best goalkeepers in MLS since joining the Revolution from Čukarički in April 2022 for just under €1m. The 23-year-old Serbian has increased his market value from €1.2m to €3.5m and will receive another upgrade in the MLS market value update that will be published later this week. The development in Petrovic’s market value underlines his outstanding performances. The two-time Serbian national team keeper has collected 14 clean sheets in 43 MLS regular season games—only eight goalkeepers managed more clean sheets since Petrovic joined the league. 

A look at stats provider Opta further underlines Petrovic’s importance for New England. Since joining MLS, the Serbian goalkeeper has been second in the league with 184 saves made; only Austin FC goalkeeper Brad Stuver ranks ahead of him with 201 saves. Petrovic also ranks sixth in MLS with 42 catches over the same period. Petrovic is also considered a very communicative goalkeeper who is comfortable venturing far from his line to intercept crosses and outside his box to break up counterattacks. In other words, Petrovic is an incredible goalkeeper talent and has the potential to meet his high price tag should Chelsea get a deal across the line.