Chelsea: Why signing Rob Green is good business


(Photo credit: John Christian Fjellestad)

In one of the more unexpected transfers of this summer, goalkeeper Rob Green has signed a one-year deal with Chelsea. 

The 38-year-old was at Huddersfield Town last season where he didn’t make a single first team appearance, leaving as a free agent. Before that, he had a successful season at Leeds United, making 46 appearances and keeping 15 clean sheets, but a change in management saw him drop down the pecking order at Elland Road.

He has not made a Premier League appearance since playing for Queens Park Rangers in 2015. 

Why have Chelsea signed Green?

Chelsea’s decision to sign the veteran keeper may appear odd then, but he has been signed as a third 'keeper. Eduardo, who previously had this role, has gone on loan to Vitesse, leaving Chelsea needing goalkeeping cover.

Green will be back-up for Willy Caballero and Thibaut Courtois, or whoever replaces the Belgian if he moves to Real Madrid. It is highly unlikely he will actually play a game, with Eduardo not making a single appearance during his two years with the Blues. 

Filling the homegrown quota

Chelsea will also benefit from Green’s signing as he fills a homegrown player spot in Chelsea’s squad.

With a limit on the number of international players allowed in each squad, having a non-homegrown player as a third goalkeeper who never plays could be seen as a waste. Bringing in an English player, therefore, gives Chelsea the ability to sign an international for another position on the pitch. 

Brings experience 

Green has a wealth of experience and this season will be his 20th in professional football. 

He also has 12 caps for England and was their first choice keeper at the 2010 World Cup. His time with the Three Lions may not be viewed as particularly successful, but still would have taught him lessons which can be passed down to younger players. In general, Green is a good player to have around in training. 

A good deal

Though initially surprising, this transfer is a good deal for Chelsea. They received the goalkeeper for free, his wage demands would have been relatively low, he won't complain about sitting on the bench and he fills up Chelsea’s homegrown quota. His experience will also make him a good player to have on the training ground.

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