Last summer, Chelsea completed the signing of Mike Penders and let him continue his development at KRC Genk this season.
Five days ago, Het Laatste Nieuws reported the Blues plan to include the goalkeeper in their squad for the Club World Cup in June. The tournament in America will provide him an opportunity to impress Enzo Maresca and his side.
On Sunday, the Chelsea man started in Genk’s 2-1 win over Anderlecht, which his last game of this season. After the tie, he spoke to the local media, and Monday’s edition of Het Belang van Limburg relays his comments.
The 19-year-old has confirmed he will part of Enzo Maresca’s squad for the trip to the US in June.
Penders is unsure whether he will be at Stamford Bridge next season or if the Blues will send him on loan elsewhere. He’s expecting the Club World Cup to provide him better clarity over his future.
“I’m going to take a short holiday and then go to America with Chelsea for the Club World Cup,” he said.
“It’s a mixed feeling. I don’t know if this was my last match for Genk or not. First, I’m going to play the Club World Cup. During that tournament it will become clear where I’m going to play next season: at Chelsea, Genk or somewhere else.”
Genk technical director Dimitri De Condé has publicly expressed his desire to retain the Belgium U21 international for one more season. He also insisted Chelsea will have the final say.
“If it was my last match, I’m grateful to the club for everything I’ve learned, experienced and received here from the youth team to the first team. If I play at Genk next season, we’re going to give it our all for another season,” Penders explained.
