Bournemouth Sign Chelsea Goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic for £25m

Bournemouth Sign Chelsea Goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic for £25m

Bournemouth have confirmed the signing of Djordje Petrovic from Chelsea in a £25m deal, with the Serbian international signing a five-year contract at the Vitality Stadium.

The 25-year-old impressed on loan at Strasbourg last season, where he was named Player of the Season after helping the Ligue 1 club secure a Europa Conference League spot with a seventh-place finish.

Petrovic’s Rise to Prominence

Petrovic joined Chelsea in 2023 from MLS side New England Revolution for £14m and made 23 appearances under Mauricio Pochettino. Despite claiming the number one shirt, concerns about his ability to play out from the back saw him loaned to France.

At Strasbourg, he showcased exceptional shot-stopping abilities, preventing nearly 10 goals above expectation according to the xGOT (expected goals on target) model – the sixth-best figure in Europe’s top five leagues last season.

Replacing Kepa Arrizabalaga

Petrovic replaces former Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, who joined Arsenal for £5m earlier this month. Bournemouth are also assessing the future of Neto, who returned after a loan spell.

“I came to Bournemouth because I want to grow and play at the best level,” Petrovic said. “Together with this club, I believe we can achieve great things.”

‘Neuer Comparisons’ and Serbia Heroics

Petrovic’s commanding presence in goal has drawn comparisons in Germany to Manuel Neuer, with praise for his aerial dominance, penalty-saving ability, and willingness to sweep off his line.

The Serbian has also won seven international caps, including a crucial penalty save in a high-stakes World Cup qualifier against Albania that earned him national-hero status.

Petrovic at a Glance:

• Age: 25

• Caps for Serbia: 7

• 2024-25 Season (Strasbourg): Player of the Season, 10 goals prevented above xGOT

• Strengths: Shot-stopping, aerial duels, penalty saves

• Weaknesses: Passing under pressure