BVB contract extended for 2023
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Gregor Kobel has been one of the best goalkeepers in the world for several years. With a market value of 40 million euros, the Swiss from Borussia Dortmund is the third most valuable goalkeeper in the world. It has been an open secret for years that the move to one of the top international clubs is actually only a matter of time. With Chelsea FC there is now apparently the first serious interested party for the summer of 2025.
According to “Bild”, the Blues are working intensively with Kobel and are considering a commitment after the season. The keeper’s contract in Dortmund was extended in October 2023 until 2028 and does not contain an exit clause. At that time, the working paper was expanded to include the 10-time international player among the top earners in the squad. Since then he has been raking in around 10 million euros a year.
Chelsea was already considered an interested party back then. When asked about a possible move in the summer of 2023, Kobel said: “Please write it down like this: That’s not an issue for me at the moment.” However, the Blues’ starting situation could be completely different next year . Under coach Enzo Maresca, the performance curve is clearly pointing upwards this season, after ten competitive games without defeat, the Londoners are in second place in the Premier League (table).
BVB is completely different: their fluctuating performances have continued throughout the first half of the season; they are currently eighth in the Bundesliga. If qualification for the Champions League is missed, Kobel’s departure is unlikely to be prevented.
It remains to be seen whether the destination will be Stamford Bridge. The high level of competition between the posts speaks against a transfer to Chelsea. Including loaned professionals, the Blues squad currently has nine goalkeepers. This season, Robert Sánchez (27) and Filip Jørgensen (22) are sharing playing time, with Djordje Petrovic (RC Strasbourg) and Kepa Arrizabalaga (AFC Bournemouth), two more regular goalkeepers from other first division clubs, returning in the summer. With Mike Penders (KRC Genk) and Gabriel Slonina (FC Barnsley), two talents are also available again.
