Mike Penders joins RCSA!
RC Strasbourg have announced the loan signing of Chelsea 'keeper Mike Penders -- learn more about the Belgian youth international as we keep you up to date on the mercato.
A prodigious talent
Strasbourg have wasted no time this summer mercato in adding a plethora of young players as they look to build on last season's European finish under Liam Rosenior. Yesterday saw the arrival of Argentine striker Joaquín Panichelli, and he joins the likes of Maxi Oyedele, Pape Demba Diop, Soumaïla Coulibaly and Mathis Amougou. This is in addition to the club having made permanent the loans of Valentín Barco, Samuel Amo-Ameyaw and Andrew Omobamidele.
Now, the club have added a new goalkeeper to replace Djordje Petrovic, one of the stars of last season's run-in, in the form of Belgian youngster Mike Penders. Penders is still just 19, but the Maasmecheln-born stopper already has plenty of experience, having made his debut for RC Genk's reserves in 2022. Promoted to the first team at the beginning of last season, he shortly thereafter signed for Chelsea before returning to Genk on loan.
𝕎𝕖𝕝𝕔𝕠𝕞𝕖, 𝕄𝕚𝕜𝕖! ✨
The Club is delighted to announce the signing of Mike Penders! pic.twitter.com/g9v5YyTmhL— Racing Club de Strasbourg Alsace English (@RCSA_English) July 28, 2025
Already one major trophy
With Genk last season, Penders helped the team to the best record in the season's first phase before eventually finishing third in the playoff phase, good enough for a Europa League playoff place. In addition to this, the team reached the semifinals of the Belgian Cup. Back with Chelsea in the preseason, he joined the London side for the Club World Cup, and while he didn't feature, he was a part of the squad that captured the title, beating Paris Saint-Germain in the final.
Now, with Petrovic having departed, Penders will be in the frame to be the team's first choice goalkeeper, having joined the team for their training camp in Austria ahead of Wednesday's friendly against Serie A side Udinese. He'll be put to the test early doors in Ligue 1 McDonald's as Racing will kick off their season with the derby against Metz before playing the first leg of their UEFA Conference League playoffs.
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