Without playing the old farts or conservative nostalgics, we wonder over the years until when the bubble of the most famous sport in the world will manage not to burst. Every off-season, the limits of the transfer window are pushed back. By taking over from Maarten Vandevoordt, who left for Leipzig, in the Limburg goal, Mike Penders did not expect to take over from Thibaut Courtois so soon.
13 years later, the Londoners will once again pick up a promising young Belgian goalkeeper from Genk. On July 31, when he blew out his 19 candles, Penders did not expect his birthday present to be delivered ten days later with a long-term contract at Stamford Bridge, the duration of which has not yet been revealed.
In 10 years, speculation has become king
Why did Blues owner Todd Boehly put down 20 million when Roman Abramovich, his predecessor, had “only” paid 9 million for Courtois in 2011? We can invoke the argument of speculation. In modern football, clubs overpay for young players with high potential in order to trade. In the hope of reselling them with a capital gain in a few years. The American has made it his specialty, having already spent more than a billion in two years.
The problem is that Penders, who will remain on loan at Genk this season, has not yet shown anything. When Courtois joined the Premier League, he had a full season of Pro League under his belt while having had the good idea of being one of the strong men of the title. But prices have increased exponentially and vertiginously in a decade, especially when the buying club is English. The windfall represented by TV rights gives them several lengths ahead. And a club like Brighton had not hesitated to sign Anderlecht last year for a check for 20 million euros to secure the services of Bart Verbruggen despite his 24 small Belgian D1 matches under his belt.
England, the Limburg specialty
If Chelsea allocated such an amount for Penders, it is also because the residents of the Cegeka Arena have made a name for themselves. Firstly in the goalkeeping training where the emergence of Courtois, Bailly, Casteels and Vandevoordt have left their mark. Secondly in England where Dimitri De Condé, the technical director, has always known how to sell well. It’s simple. Of the 10 most expensive outgoing transfers of the club, the first five are all players who left for the Premier League (see the infographic). Not to mention the departure of Trossard to Brighton for more than 15 million.
Outgoing transfers in JPL and Genk ©IPM Graphics
guillement
It’s been a busy week for Mike, so there may be some changes.
Penders’ is a confirmation of the long-term work done by Genk. For the young goalkeeper, the first day of the rest of his life begins this Sunday against Club Brugge, the reigning champions. How will he handle the pressure of having become the man worth 20 million euros?It was a hectic week for Mike, even though he returned to training on time. But we also need experience. So there may be changes.”warned Thorsten Fink, who leaves the door open to a starting role for Hendrik Van Crombrugge, against the Belgian champion. As proof that the hardest part begins for him.
