The stay in Australia was short-lived. Filip Jørgensen is already on his way home from Chelsea’s pre-season tour – the transfer to Strasbourg is fast approaching.
Jørgensen was not even in the squad when Chelsea faced Western Sydney Wanderers in a friendly match. According to Standard Sport, the 24-year-old has already travelled back to the UK to finalise negotiations on a move to Chelsea’s sister club in Ligue 1.
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Strasbourg have been looking for a new goalkeeper after loan player Mike Penders returned to Chelsea in the summer. At the same time, Jørgensen himself has made it crystal clear that he needs regular playing time this season.
He didn’t get that at Chelsea. Last season, he made just 12 appearances across all competitions – and in March, he had to go under the knife with a groin injury, shortly after then-manager Liam Rosenior had given him the chance.
Traveled with the squad – returns alone
Jørgensen was part of Chelsea’s 28-man squad that traveled to Australia and Asia, but now he has broken off the trip to do the paperwork surrounding the departure.
The news of the Danish goalkeeper’s possible transfer to Strasbourg comes just days after Standard Sport reported that the Ligue 1 club were not pursuing a move for Nordsjælland midfielder Caleb Yirenkyi. The priority is clear: Strasbourg wants Jørgensen.
Goalkeepers in open game – but Jørgensen is out
The goalkeeper situation at Chelsea is still unclear. Xabi Alonso himself has admitted that he does not have an indisputable first goalkeeper, and that there is open competition for the place in goal ahead of the new season.
But Jørgensen does not seem to be part of the Spaniard’s future plans. After two seasons and 36 games in Chelsea’s colours, the end is now in sight.
Whether Jørgensen’s exit will make Chelsea bring in a new goalkeeper before the window closes, remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: The Dane will have his dream of regular playing time fulfilled – just not at Stamford Bridge.
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