Chelsea and Genk have agreed to a £17 million deal for Mike Penders, and the goalkeeper will become the club’s eighth signing.
After agreeing to a long-term contract at Stamford Bridge, the 19-year-old is anticipated to return to the Belgian club on loan for the next campaign. Chelsea bought Filip Jorgensen from Villarreal last month for £20.7 million.
They now have seven keepers in their first team lineup, including Robert Sanchez, the team’s top goal scorer from the previous year, and Kepa Arrizabalaga, who returned to Real Madrid after a year on loan.
In July, Penders made his senior debut, making history as the third-youngest goalkeeper in Belgian Pro League history.
The 6ft 7in Belgium Under-19 player will become Chelsea’s 10th summer signing and will take spending beyond £150m – with Atletico Madrid striker Samu Omorodion expected to join imminently for a £34.5m.