Dusan Tadic has shared that Ajax were previously thinking about signing Djordje Petrovic before his move to Chelsea.
Djordje Petrovic, 24, has emerged as Chelsea’s first-choice goalkeeper this year during his debut season at Stamford Bridge,
The Serbian gloveman has overtaken teammate Robert Sanchez to become the No 1, playing 19 games for the Blues across all competitions.
Petrovic moved to west London in a £14 million deal (Sky Sports) from MLS club New England Revolution last summer.
However, he was on the radar of Dutch giants Ajax.
Now at Fenerbahce, Tadic spent five very successful years in Amsterdam as an Ajax player between 2018-2023
The 35-year-old attacker is teammates alongside Chelsea’s Petrovic with the Serbian national team.
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Apparently, Ajax were once looking at signing the 24-year-old keeper and even asked Tadic about his fellow countryman.
Tadic told South London Press: “Dorde is a great goalkeeper and a great talent and it’s very nice to see him play for Chelsea.
“I saw immediately in training what a great goalkeeper he is. He’s [also] a very good guy and professional.
“Actually I am not surprised [to see him play at Chelsea] because in the past we were also looking at him for Ajax.
“And I remember they asked me about him.
“He was on the list of all the top clubs and if he’s Chelsea number one now is no coincidence.
“I think he can keep his place [following Robert Sanchez’s return] because once goalkeepers take their chance they don’t give it away to nobody.
“I trust him, he’ll do that. He’s the future of Chelsea.”
Ajax considered Djordje Petrovic
We’re certainly glad Chelsea won the race for Petrovic and he chose the Premier League.
In our view, he’s still far from the finished article as a goalkeeper but he’s got so many of the basics wrapped up.
If we compare him to Sanchez this campaign, we’d have to give the Serbian the edge in terms of all-round game. Let’s remember he’s still only 24 as well!
Reporting via X back in December, journalist Fabrizio Romano said that Chelsea are “very happy” with Petrovic during his first year a the club. We think he’s only grown in confidence and stature since, too.
