The signing of Kepa Arrizabalaga from Athletic Bilbao was one of the worst moves Chelsea have made in the last decade.
The £71.6m transfers marked a BC/AD divide between an era where Chelsea had excellent goalkeepers – stretching all the way back to Carlo Cudicini, and an era where we have been buying new ones every summer without finding the stalwart we need.
Getting rid of Kepa has proved as hard as finding a top goalkeeper to replace him. His vast contract and our unwillingness to take a loss on him has meant he’s stuck around at Cobham, even when not in the team. Last season we were able to find a loan for him, but it still meant the problem returned this summer.
Finally, this year, we’ve managed to create a situation which means we’re not likely to see the Spaniard again. Liam Twomey’s extended piece on the Kepa sags reveals the terms of the deal which took him to Bournemouth, but also involved him signing a one year extension to his contract, which was due to expire next summer:
“Arrizabalaga signed a new contract with Chelsea, extending his commitment to the club from 2025 to 2026 but significantly reducing his salary, which will be covered by Bournemouth for the duration of the loan,” Twomey explained.
“There is also a £5million release clause that can become active if other conditions in the deal are fulfilled and at a number that is not expected to provide an obstacle to a permanent transfer to the club of his choice next summer.
European clubs could be tempted by £5m clause
That £5m fee will be tempting for a lot of clubs, and as Twomey speculates, may lead to his spell on the South Coast being a short one. We’re not too bothered where he goes next – as long as the problem is finally someone else’s, we’re happy.
