“He has been really vital to our team and he’s eager to stay. We must do everything to retain him our club” – This is according to an European Club manager as he confirms desire to retain an amazing Chelsea signing for next season.

Genk’s sporting director, Dimitri De Conde, has confirmed the club’s interest in keeping Mike Penders beyond the summer.

Chelsea secured Penders’ signature from Genk last August, signing the 19-year-old goalkeeper on a contract that runs until 2032. However, as part of the agreement, he remained with Genk for the 2024/25 season and is currently expected to join Chelsea at the campaign’s conclusion.

Penders has experienced a rapid rise in Belgian football, having made his professional debut in a goalless draw against Standard Liege in July 2024. At 18 years and 362 days old, he became the third-youngest goalkeeper to feature in a Belgian Pro League match.

Initially serving as Genk’s second-choice goalkeeper this season, the Belgium U19 international has since claimed the starting spot, overtaking Hendrik Van Crombrugge as the club’s number one since the beginning of the year.

Speaking on TVL Sportcafe, De Conde commended Penders’ development and reiterated the club’s desire to retain him.

“We would love for Penders to stay with us for another year, but that decision isn’t in our hands—it depends on Chelsea,” De Conde explained.

“The agreement states he will move to Chelsea next season. They will assess whether he can play an important role there.

“I know he wants regular game time, and Chelsea also believes he should be playing. So, nothing is off the table.”

Despite their interest in keeping Penders, Genk has yet to formally discuss the situation with him.

“We haven’t spoken to Mike about it yet—it’s still too soon,” De Conde added.

“Our focus right now is on the Belgian Pro League play-offs. Once the season ends, the situation will become clearer.”

In an interview with De Morgen in February, Penders reflected on his upcoming move to Chelsea, admitting he was surprised by their interest.

“I didn’t expect it—Chelsea and PSG are massive clubs,” Penders said.

“PSG wasn’t willing to meet Genk’s asking price, but Chelsea presented a clear sporting and financial plan.

“They didn’t just scout me based on a few first-team matches; they had been monitoring me closely throughout the previous season at Jong Genk. That shows how crucial the academy system is.”

Chelsea’s goalkeeping situation remains uncertain, with Robert Sanchez struggling for consistency and Filip Jorgensen failing to impress as his replacement. Meanwhile, Djordje Petrovic, who spent the season on loan at Strasbourg, has been tipped as a potential first-team option next season.