He rushed his decision - Chelsea signing criticised for joining Maresca’s side
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Filip Jorgensen in action for Chelsea against Real Madrid on August 6, 2024 (Credit: Imago)

He rushed his decision - Chelsea signing criticised for joining Maresca’s side

Seye Omidiora 21:17 - 09.09.2024

One of the West London club’s summer recruits has been reprimanded for signing for the Premier League club.

Villarreal CEO Fernando Roig Negueroles has expressed disappointment over Filip Jorgensen's decision to join Chelsea during the summer transfer window. 

Why did Chelsea sign Jorgensen?

Despite the goalkeeper’s commendable performances in the 2023-24 LaLiga season, Roig believes that the 22-year-old should have remained at the Yellow Submarine for further development after 36 league appearances last term.

Filip Jorgensen
Filip Jorgensen started 36 of Villarreal's 38 LaLiga matches last season (Credit: Imago)

Instead, Jorgensen's transfer to the Premier League club for around £20 million, was influenced by the arrival of new manager Enzo Maresca and the departure of Djordje Petrovic to Strasbourg on loan. 

While the Swedish shot-stopper was seen as a potential replacement for Petrovic, he was unlikely to immediately challenge Robert Sanchez for the starting position, underscored by appearances in the Conference League with the Spaniard utilised in league games.

Filip Jorgensen
Filip Jorgensen has yet to make his Premier League debut for Chelsea (Credit: Chelsea.com)

What Negueroles said about Jorgensen’s Chelsea switch

Villarreal were reluctant to sell Jorgensen but ultimately respected his decision to pursue the move to Chelsea, even if Roig emphasised that the 22-year-old had the potential to grow and develop further with the LaLiga and expressed his belief that the goalkeeper made a hasty decision.

"We didn't expect to sell Jorgensen so soon, let alone this year,” Negueroles told AS. “We knew about his enormous potential and we thought he would leave, but not now. Honestly, and I have made this clear to him and his entourage, I think Jorgensen rushed his decision.

Filip Jorgensen
Filip Jorgensen in action for Villarreal in the 2023-24 season (Credit: Imago)

"He had room for improvement and growth here, but his departure was his will. We did not intend to make that sale, but it has happened because he is a great goalkeeper for the present and the future and with qualities that can make him one of the most important goalkeepers in Europe."

What comes next?

Chelsea return to Premier League action against Bournemouth on Saturday, September 14, keen to notch their second top-flight victory of 2024-25 after a disappointing draw against Crystal Palace before the hiatus.