Bournemouth Complete £25m Deal for Chelsea Goalkeeper | OneFootball

Bournemouth Secure Djordje Petrovic from Chelsea in £25m Deal

Petrovic Completes Move to Vitality Stadium

Bournemouth have made a firm statement in the transfer market with the acquisition of Djordje Petrovic from Chelsea in a deal worth £25 million. As reported by Sky Sports, “Petrovic underwent his medical on Monday with Bournemouth and has signed a five-year deal.” The signing marks another show of intent by the Cherries as they look to stabilise and strengthen under Andoni Iraola.

The Serbian international arrives with Premier League experience, having spent last season largely as Chelsea’s first-choice keeper. After joining from MLS side New England Revolution in 2023 for £14 million, Petrovic impressed in patches during a turbulent campaign at Stamford Bridge.

Although he became No.1 under Mauricio Pochettino during the second half of the season, “Petrovic was No1 at Chelsea in the second half of the 2023/24 season under Mauricio Pochettino, but lost his place under Enzo Maresca.” The managerial change appears to have accelerated his departure, with Bournemouth pouncing swiftly to secure his services.

Photo: IMAGO

Goalkeeper’s Rise Through Global Network

Petrovic’s journey reflects the growing influence of football’s multi-club ownership models. Last season, he was on loan at Strasbourg, another club within the BlueCo network, which also owns Chelsea. As Sky Sports noted, “The Serbia international spent last season on loan at Strasbourg in Ligue 1. They are part of the same multi-club ownership model as Chelsea.”

It was during that time in France and then with Chelsea where Petrovic built a profile as a dependable shot-stopper with significant upside. Agile, confident with the ball at his feet, and comfortable in a high defensive line, the 24-year-old fits the modern profile that Iraola demands from his keepers.

Stability and Competition Between the Sticks

For Bournemouth, the deal represents a clear upgrade in a key position. Neto, the current first-choice keeper, has been reliable but is now in the latter stages of his career. Bringing in a younger alternative with international pedigree ensures both competition and succession planning in the goalkeeping department.

Photo: IMAGO

Petrovic’s price tag may raise some eyebrows, particularly as he only cost Chelsea £14 million just a year ago, but the premium is a reflection of his Premier League exposure and age. In a market increasingly shaped by scarcity in key positions, £25 million for a 24-year-old with international and top-flight experience is a calculated move.

Serbia’s No.1 Looks to Rebuild Momentum

Petrovic has five caps for Serbia and will be eyeing a return to the national fold with consistent minutes at Bournemouth. Under Pochettino, he showed moments of promise, but his rhythm was broken under Maresca’s early reshuffle at Chelsea.

At Bournemouth, the Serb will hope to settle quickly, earn the No.1 shirt, and begin repaying the club’s faith in him. The five-year deal signals long-term belief and a desire to build defensive consistency with a clear identity from the back.