AFC Bournemouth have officially secured the signing of goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic from Chelsea on a five-year contract, marking a significant step in their preparations for the upcoming Premier League season. The transfer, finalized for a reported fee of £25 million, was confirmed on July 16, 2025, following a swift negotiation process between the two clubs. Petrovic’s move to the Vitality Stadium ends his two-year stint with Chelsea, where he struggled to secure a regular starting role, and positions him as Bournemouth’s new No. 1 goalkeeper.
Announce Petrovic ✅ pic.twitter.com/EmzocsuFQ3
— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) July 16, 2025
A New Chapter for Petrovic
The 25-year-old Serbian international arrives at Bournemouth with a point to prove after a career trajectory that has seen both promise and challenges. Petrovic first joined Chelsea in the summer of 2023 from MLS side New England Revolution for £14 million, signing a seven-year contract. In his debut season with the Blues, he made 31 appearances, showcasing his potential as a reliable shot-stopper. However, with Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen preferred by manager Enzo Maresca, Petrovic found himself surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge.
Seeking regular first-team football, Petrovic spent the 2024-25 season on loan at Strasbourg, a Ligue 1 club also owned by Chelsea’s parent company, BlueCo. His performances in France were nothing short of impressive, as he made 31 appearances, kept 10 clean sheets, and was voted Strasbourg’s Player of the Season by supporters. His standout displays earned him a nomination for Ligue 1’s best goalkeeper award, cementing his reputation as a talented keeper ready for a leading role.
Despite his success in France, Chelsea’s depth in goalkeeping options—including Sanchez, Jorgensen, and promising teenager Mike Penders—meant Petrovic had no clear path to becoming the first-choice goalkeeper. His exclusion from Chelsea’s FIFA Club World Cup squad, which the Blues won with a 3-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain, underscored his desire to move on. Petrovic reportedly refused to be part of the squad to focus on securing a permanent transfer, a decision that has now paid off with his move to Bournemouth.
Bournemouth’s Goalkeeping Solution
Bournemouth’s pursuit of Petrovic was driven by their need for a new first-choice goalkeeper following the departure of Kepa Arrizabalaga, who spent the 2024-25 season on loan from Chelsea before joining Arsenal permanently for £5 million. The Cherries, under manager Andoni Iraola, have been proactive in the transfer market, bolstered by £90 million from the sales of defenders Dean Huijsen and Milos Kerkez to Real Madrid and Liverpool, respectively. Petrovic becomes their second signing of the summer, following the £14 million acquisition of French left-back Adrien Truffert from Rennes.
The £25 million deal for Petrovic, which includes a five-year contract, reflects Bournemouth’s ambition to strengthen their squad and build on their mid-table finish in the previous Premier League campaign. The transfer also paves the way for the departure of Bournemouth’s current goalkeeper, Mark Travers, who is set to undergo a medical with Everton, where he will compete with Jordan Pickford for a starting spot.
Petrovic’s arrival is seen as a coup for Bournemouth, given his proven track record and hunger to establish himself as a Premier League regular. His athleticism, command of the penalty area, and ability to make crucial saves make him an ideal fit for Iraola’s system, which emphasizes proactive defending and quick transitions. While Chelsea’s Maresca reportedly viewed Petrovic as lacking in ball-playing ability compared to Sanchez and Jorgensen, Bournemouth’s setup is expected to play to his strengths as a traditional goalkeeper.
Transfer Details and Implications
The transfer was facilitated by a reported “gentleman’s agreement” between Chelsea and Petrovic, allowing him to leave for £25 million following his loan spell at Strasbourg. Bournemouth moved quickly to secure the deal, fending off interest from other clubs, including Sunderland, AS Monaco, Aston Villa, and Leeds United. Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano confirmed the agreement, noting that Petrovic had “already accepted to join” Bournemouth, with negotiations progressing rapidly after an initial bid was submitted on July 9, 2025.
For Chelsea, the sale of Petrovic represents a profitable transaction, as they bank an £11 million profit on the £14 million they paid for him in 2023. The transfer is part of a broader strategy to trim their bloated 46-player squad, with other fringe players like Noni Madueke, Axel Disasi, Renato Veiga, Ben Chilwell, Raheem Sterling, and João Félix also linked with moves away. The Blues are expected to raise close to £100 million from player sales this window, including Madueke’s imminent transfer to Arsenal.
For Bournemouth, Petrovic’s signing signals their intent to remain competitive in the Premier League. The Cherries have established themselves as a well-run, forward-thinking club, and Petrovic’s addition provides stability in goal as they aim to push for a top-half finish. His medical was completed on July 14, with the official announcement following on July 16, marking a swift and efficient piece of business.
What Lies Ahead
Petrovic’s move to Bournemouth offers him the chance to fulfill his ambition of being a regular starter in one of Europe’s top leagues. At 25, he is entering his prime and brings a wealth of experience from his time in Serbia, the MLS, Ligue 1, and the Premier League. His international experience with Serbia, where he has earned caps, further enhances his credentials.
As Bournemouth prepare for the new season, Petrovic will be eager to prove himself as their undisputed No. 1. The Cherries’ fans will hope his performances mirror the quality he showed at Strasbourg, where he won hearts with his consistency and flair. Meanwhile, Chelsea will move forward with their preferred goalkeeping duo, while keeping an eye on young talent Mike Penders, who is expected to join Strasbourg on loan.
The transfer of Djordje Petrovic is a win-win for both clubs. Bournemouth gain a talented goalkeeper ready to make his mark, while Chelsea streamline their squad and generate funds for future investments. As the Premier League season approaches, all eyes will be on Petrovic to see if he can translate his potential into consistent performances on the south coast.
