Who needs Courtois? Chelsea keeper could prove point at QPR
Published:When Petr Cech arrived at Chelsea for £7m from French side Rennes in February of 2003, few commended then-Blues boss Claudio Ranieri for what would prove to be one of the club’s best ever signings.
Over a decade on, however, and despite picking up multiple Premier League and FA Cup titles as well as top honours in the Champions League and Europa League, QPR manager Harry Redknapp could be closing in on another cut-price deal for the 32-year-old Czech goalkeeper.
A largely consistent force for the Stamford Bridge outfit last season, Cech has nevertheless been forced to play second fiddle this term following the emergence of Thibault Courtois.
The Belgian, who spent last season on loan at Atletico Madrid, was instrumental in the Spanish side’s La Liga success as well as their march to the Champions League final.
And it was his performances for Atleti last term, coupled with his efforts for Belgium at the World Cup that convinced Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho to give him his chance in the Blues first-team.
But Cech could yet have the last laugh, amid reports indicating that the 32-year-old is lining up a move to QPR.
Keen to continue playing first team football at the highest level, Cech is choosing not to follow the same route taken by the man he once usurped – Carlo Cudicini.
The Italian was all too happy to sit on the bench while Cech started for the first-team, early in his Chelsea career, before finally moving to Tottenham at an all-too-late stage in his career.
A move to Rangers could suit both parties, with Redknapp’s side likely to benefit from the Czech star’s vast experience at this level, while Cech himself could use the move to alert other clubs to his availability.
Details of any potential deal remain sketchy, with Cech likely to move to the club on a season-long loan, though there could yet be scope for a permanent switch.
Sign the Chelsea keeper and ‘Arry may have pulled off the deal of the window.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
Fancy a flutter? Sign up today to claim up to £100 in free bets.
