A new report from the Sun has stated that Chelsea’s backup goal guardian Eduardo is set to join Atletico Madrid.
The Spanish giants are seeking an immediate replacement between the sticks as their first-choice goalkeeper Jan Oblak is out with a shoulder injury. The Slovenian has undergone successful surgery, yet, will be out for four months.
Eduardo has ample of experience across Europe, however, since arriving at Stamford Bridge from Dinamo Zagreb last year, the 34-year-old has had a fairly quiet stint as he is yet to make a start under Antonio Conte this season and the chances to turn around the fortunes are next to nothing. Thibaut Courtois has secure 10 clean sheets so far this campaign and looking at Chelsea’s sizzling form, it doesn’t look like the Belgian is going to stop anytime soon. Even former Stoke City goalkeeper Asmir Begovic is vastly on the bench.
Diego Simeone will be hoping that the Portuguese international would be a capable deputy till Oblak returns to action yet Eduardo will need to prove he is no stopgap and keep hold of the place to ensure his career does not derail once again.
According to TMW, the Spanish outfit has already contacted the club and chances for the deal to turn unfruitful are less. Sandwiched between a number of players linked with a move out to China and big names possibly coming in, no fans are complaining or even giving their two cents about this transfer. However, it does mean that the Blues will need to source for another third-choice goalkeeper. It seems like they could pluck from the depths of their academy as 23-year-old Jamal Blackman might be recalled after making a name on loan at Wycombe Wanderers. He has a few rough edges to smooth off, nevertheless is rather young for a shot stopper, thus will be looked as an understudy for the two senior keepers above the rankings.
Speaking of the academy, Eduardo was a product of Braga’s youth system before he moved to Genoa where he spent four years with most them being loan spells. The 6’2” towering keeper has also capped 36 times for his national team.
Simeone, however, will be expecting his target will repeat the form at Dinamo Zagreb. His team are somewhat fumbling and bungling at their league, sitting at the 6th position and 9 points adrift from table toppers Real Madrid.
Chelsea currently shares similar faith as their arch rival as they are on a cracking run of form – 11 victories on the bounce and have only conceded 2 goals in the process. Next up is a home match against Bournemouth on December 26 and they are expected to seize maximum points yet without their top scorer Diego Costa.