Five goalkeepers Chelsea could target in the summer | OneFootball

Chelsea are expected to enter the transfer market for a new goalkeeper this summer, with concerns over the quality of those at Stamford Bridge.

Robert Sanchez started the season as the first choice under Enzo Maresca, but an error-prone campaign has seen the Spaniard ousted. Sanchez has made five errors directly leading to goals this season, the joint-most of any Premier League goalkeeper.

Filip Jorgensen – signed from Villarreal last summer – remains unproven. The 22-year-old was at fault for Aston Villa’s winner in the clash between the teams earlier this month.

We’ve looked at five goalkeepers who are likely to be on Chelsea’s radar this summer.

Five goalkeepers Chelsea could target in the summer

Caoimhin Kelleher (Liverpool)

Caoimhin Kelleher seems set for a new challenge in the summer as the Irishman targets a first-choice role. Kelleher has rarely let Liverpool down when called upon, emerging as arguably the best back-up goalkeeper in Europe’s top five leagues.

His highlights at Anfield include two outstanding Carabao Cup final performances, as the Reds defeated Chelsea in 2022 and 2023. The 26-year-old epitomises cool, has quality distribution, and is ready for a number one position. His recruitment looks relatively risk-free and Chelsea are understood to head a queue. Liverpool will want a fee in excess of £30m for the academy product.

Gregor Kobel (Borussia Dortmund)

Gregor Kobel has been heavily linked with Chelsea after cementing a reputation as one of the Bundesliga’s best. The Swiss shot-stopper has been included in the Bundesliga Team of the Season in each of the last two campaigns and helped Dortmund to the Champions League final in 2023/24.

Dortmund have struggled domestically this season and look likely to miss out on Champions League qualification. An absence from Europe’s elite could facilitate a sale and Kobel is a goalkeeper heading into his prime years.

At 27, and with a wealth of experience at the top level, the 6ft 5in goalkeeper would provide a presence that has been badly missing from the Blues this season. Chelsea have an abundance of exciting young talent and the addition of some readymade recruits could take the West Londoners up a level.

Diogo Costa (Porto)

Diogo Costa continues to be linked with a move to one of Europe’s top five leagues. His growing reputation flourished further in the summer, where he became the first goalkeeper to save three consecutive penalties at a European Championship.

A penalty-saving expert, in 2022 he became the first goalkeeper to save three consecutive penalties in the Champions League.

Costa has insisted he is in no rush to leave boyhood side Porto, but at 25 looks ready for the next step. According to reports in Portugal, there is a £62.5m release clause in his contract at the Estádio do Dragão.

Lucas Chevalier (Lille)

Perhaps the best u-23 goalkeeper on the market right now. Lucas Chevalier has racked up 114 senior appearances for Lille and made his France debut during November’s break.

He’s caught the attention of Europe’s top clubs since emerging as one of Ligue 1’s leading goalkeepers. Boasting excellent reflexes and athleticism, he’s been a big part of a Lille side who have boasted one of French football’s best defensive records over the last two seasons. Only runaway leaders PSG have conceded fewer goals than Lille this season, while their defensive strength has helped the club into the Champions League’s last 16.

James Trafford (Burnley)

James Trafford endured a tough first season in the Premier League last term. Thrown in at the deep end at Burnley, he lacked the stature or experience to deal with a relegation battle at Turf Moor.

The Clarets’ drop down a division has benefited the young goalkeeper immeasurably. Away from the glare of the Premier League, he has thrived.

Burnley have conceded just NINE goals in 34 league games with Trafford currently on a run of 12 consecutive Championship clean sheets. At 22, he fits Chelsea’s recruitment profile and his best years are still far ahead of him. If Burnley miss out on promotion, he could be even more attainable.

Read – The lowest points totals in Premier League history

See more – Premier League Golden Glove race: Sels leads the way

Follow The Football Faithful on Social Media:

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | TikTok