Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy is reportedly considering leaving Stamford Bridge after he lost out of Chelsea’s starting IX to Kepa Arrizbalaga.
It is a dream of every football player to play regularly for his team and move up the ranks in his football career. For Edouard Mendy, it seems the table has turned.
The Senegal international is not having it rosy under new Chelsea manager Graham Potter.
Mendy has dropped down the pecking order and has lost his starting position to Chelsea’s former second-choice goalkeeper, Kepa Arrizbalaga.
Heading into the World Cup, the future of Edouard Mendy at Stamford Bridge is very uncertain.
Reports have emerged that the former Rennes star is considering leaving Chelsea following the recent misfortunes that have greeted his career at the London club.
As things stand, Edouard Mendy’s first-team chances remain limited, and the shot-stopper is considering an exit option.
Edouard Mendy joined Chelsea from French Ligue 1 side Stade Rennes in 2020 for £22million and has contributed immensely to the successes recorded by the club, especially during Thomas Tuchel’s short-lived era.
Edouard Mendy helped Chelsea win the Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup, and UEFA Super Cup under former manager Thomas Tuchel.
He also helped the team reach the FA and EFL Cup finals and was able to cement his position in the team as first-choice goalkeeper.
However, it appears the table has turned for the Senegal international. His position as Blues’ No 1 has been thrown into doubt following the sack of Thomas Tuchel and the arrival of current head coach Graham Potter.
Chelsea second-choice Kepa Arrizabalaga usurped his position after Graham Potter resumed his reign as Chelsea head coach.
Things turned dire and were further complicated when Edouard Mendy suffered a knee injury which ruled him out of action for the Blues.
Before settling for his new awkward reality as a second-choice goalkeeper for the Blues, Mendy had started Chelsea’s previous four matches, three of which the team lost. He had the chance to start the games because Kepa sustained a foot injury.
Kepa stepped in again after recovering from a foot injury, but his performance in recent matches is throwing his position as first-choice goalkeeper into doubt.
Chelsea have gone into the World Cup break with back-to-back-to-back defeats against two Premier League rivals and Newcastle United, with Kepa in the goal post.
The Blues lost to Arsenal in front of their home fans at Stamford Bridge. They were also bundled out of the EFL Cup by Manchester City and suffered another defeat against top-four gatecrashers Newcastle United.
Hope for Edouard Mendy?
Following the series of poor results by the Blues with Arrizbalaga on the goal post, one would have thought that Edouard Mendy do have a chance to return to his previous status as first-choice goalkeeper.
However, sources close to the former Brighton manager have confirmed that Potter is not ready to change his mind on Kepa Arizzbalaga as the first-choice goalkeeper.
The Premier League returns next month after the World Cup. Mendy is going to the World Cup as Senegal’s first-choice goalkeeper and will still return to his position as second-choice goalkeeper at Chelsea.
Meanwhile, there are reports that Graham Potter is ready to sign another goalkeeper – Robert Sanchez, from his former club Brighton.
A good performance by Mendy at the World Cup may attract potential suitors, but Chelsea is reportedly not keen on selling him.
This poses a challenge for the Senegal international. Chelsea have held talks with Mendy, but no progress was recorded as he is still pushing for an exit from the London club.
