Chelsea’s signing of goalkeeper Robert Green came as a complete surprise to the club’s coaching staff, according to reports.
The Blues confirmed last Thursday that they had completed the signing of the 38-year-old goalkeeper on a one-year contract. There were reports which also suggested that the former England first-choice shot-stopper was considering hanging up his gloves before Chelsea came knocking on the door.
Green was arguably one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League during his time with West Ham during the mid and late-2000s; however, he is now well past his prime and many feel that he was never good enough to play for a team that challenges for a top-four position.
He also did not make a single Premier League appearance for Huddersfield Town last season and last played in the top flight back in 2015 when he was still on the books of Queens Park Rangers.
While the club officially stated that Green was brought in to provide cover and competition to Thibaut Courtois and Willy Caballero, it is unlikely that he will get game time. If he does play, it will only be in an emergency situation, which seldom happens.
It appears that the main reason why Green was brought to the Blues was to add to the amount of home-grown players within the Blues squad. On the bright side, Blues fans can take heart from the fact that the club did not spend anything to sign the veteran goalkeeper nor will he command a high salary.
They can now channel more funds in order to bolster other areas. This promises to be a testing season for them as they prepare for life under their new manager Maurizio Sarri.
