Djordje Petrovic has admitted that although he initially hoped to stay in the Premier League, he is happy and flourishing at Strasbourg.
Petrovic moved to Chelsea from MLS side New England Revolution in the summer of 2023 for £14 million.
The 25-year-old had to bide his time before getting his chance, making his debut as a late substitute in December 2023 after Robert Sanchez was injured.
Petrovic Shines at Strasbourg
The Serbian goalkeeper took full advantage of his opportunity, delivering strong performances in Sanchez’s absence and quickly securing his place as Chelsea’s first-choice keeper in the latter part of the 2023-24 season. Over the course of the season, Petrovic played 31 games across all competitions, playing a key role in Chelsea’s top-six Premier League finish under manager Mauricio Pochettino.
However, despite these successes, Petrovic faced new challenges as the 2024-25 season approached. Manager Enzo Maresca reinstated Sanchez as the starting goalkeeper and strengthened the squad with the signing of Filip Jorgensen from Villarreal. As a result, Petrovic was deemed surplus to requirements and loaned out to Strasbourg, Chelsea’s sister club in Ligue 1.
A Bright Future in France
Though this setback occurred, Petrovic remains optimistic about his prospects at Chelsea while quietly making a positive impact at Strasbourg. Currently sitting 14th in Ligue 1, Petrovic has played 11 matches for the club, recording two clean sheets.
Reflecting on his move, Petrovic acknowledged his desire to remain in England but also stated that his time at Strasbourg had proven to be a wise career decision. “I am very happy here in Strasbourg,” he said, adding, “It’s true I wanted to stay in the Premier League, but once I started working with the team and staff here, everything clicked right away. This move is not a mistake in my journey.”
Looking forward, Chelsea will need to make a key decision regarding their goalkeeper situation, with both Petrovic and Sanchez competing for the role. Given his current form, Petrovic could be a valuable asset for Chelsea in the future.
