Serbian goalkeeper, Djordje Petrovic has departed Chelsea for Bournemouth for £25m.
Petrovic spent last season on loan in France at Ligue 1’s Strasbourg where he kept 13 clean sheets in 31 appearances as the team finished seventh and qualified for this season’s UEFA Conference League, having fell out of favour under Chelsea manager – Enzo Maresca.
His snub under Maresca also came after his breakthrough debut season for Chelsea in 2023-24 campaign under Mauricio Pochettino, in which he dislodged fellow summer signing, Robert Sanchez to become the Blues’ first-choice goalkeeper midway through that season.
The 25-year-old however is no longer considered part of Chelsea’s long-term project and was left out of their title-winning Club World Cup squad this summer, which ultimately led Bournemouth to sign him after a £25m offer was accepted by the Blues.
His move will see Petrovic replace his former Chelsea teammate, Kepa Arrizabalaga who spent last season on loan with the Cherries, but the Spaniard has now moved to Arsenal earlier this month in a £5m deal.
Petrovic has signed a five-year contract until June 2030 and is excited to develop his game with the Cherries during his time at the club.
“I’m really happy to be here. I came to Bournemouth because I want to grow and I want to play at the best level. Together with this club, with these facilities, I think we can achieve it. I want to help the team get the results, improve every day and be a better player.”
Bournemouth’s President of Football Operations, Tiago Pinto is “really pleased” to complete Petrovic’s transfer such was the “… opportunity to sign a player of his calibre in the market was one we had to take, particularly given how vital the position of a goalkeeper is.”
Petrovic began his senior career with Cukaricki where he made 86 appearances between 2019 – 2022, before he spent 16 months in USA’s MLS with New England Revolution in which he managed 14 clean sheets across a 14-month spell with the club.
During his time at Chelsea following his move in late August 2023, he started the final of 23-24 Carabao Cup as Chelsea finished runners-up to Liverpool.
Petrovic represents Serbia at international level and has made just seven appearances since his debut in January 2021 in a goalless draw against Dominican Republic.
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