Reporter: Joensen is willing to leave the team in the winter window, Chelsea has no plans to release him yet

November 21 According to reporter BenJacobs, Chelsea goalkeeper Joensen is willing to leave the team in the January transfer window next year to gain more playing time and prepare for the 2026 World Cup. The Danish goalkeeper joined Chelsea from Villarreal in the summer of 2024 for £21 million. He has played 28 times for the Blues so far, but has only played 4 times this season.

Currently, Robert Sanchez is Maresca's first-choice goalkeeper, playing in both the Premier League and Champions League. Roberto Sanchez has been firmly established in the starting lineup after a stellar performance at the end of last season. This has left Joensen desperate for more playing time, knowing he could become national team coach Brian Rimmer's first-choice goalkeeper if Denmark qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

Denmark must advance through the play-offs after losing 4-2 to Scotland in a match on Tuesday. Kasper Schmeichel started in that game, but 4 goals conceded and the previous 2-2 draw with Belarus made Schmeichel questionable. Hermansson of West Ham United is another option, but he currently ranks behind Areola at the club and is in a similar situation to Joensson.

Ideally Chelsea would like to keep Joensen, as finding a replacement midway through the season may be difficult. It is believed within the club that Joensen will get more opportunities during Boxing Day and in the second half of the season, especially as Chelsea look to achieve results on all four fronts.

Therefore, Chelsea currently has no plans to loan out Joensen and does not encourage permanent transfer offers. But it remains to be seen whether the Blues will consider the offer if it exceeds the original transfer fee they paid. Chelsea still believe Joensen can become one of Europe's top goalkeepers, so taking him away would require a hefty fee.

If Joensen leaves the team, Chelsea can choose to recall Mike Penders, who is currently on loan in Strasbourg. However, the club believes that the 20-year-old Belgian goalkeeper can gain valuable game experience every week in Ligue 1 and can also participate in UEFA Europa League competitions. Penders is regarded as an outstanding young star with great potential and is expected to adapt quickly to the Premier League.

But the club's plan has always been for Penders to spend a full season in Strasbourg, just like Andre Santos did back then, and then return to Chelsea to compete for first-team opportunities. Joensen will now assess all options and any potential transfer will be driven by the player himself, rather than the club. Chelsea may insist on keeping him as they do not want to be short of goalkeeping options in a season that could exceed 65 games.